Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
paralepsis
Noun
/ˌpær.əˈlɛp.sɪs/
Definition
Paralepsis is a rhetorical device that involves drawing attention to something by pretending to ignore it.
Examples
- By mentioning his opponent’s scandal without elaborating, she employed paralepsis to subtly highlight his flaws.
- The author uses paralepsis in the novel to strengthen the theme of secrecy.
Meaning
It allows the speaker to highlight a point while seemingly downplaying it, often used to emphasize a specific idea indirectly.
Synonyms
- Understatement
- Omission
- Litotes
