apophasis

[uh-pof-uh-sis]

apophasis Definition

• 1. the mention of something in disclaiming intention of mentioning it, as in 'I will not bring up my opponent's questionable financial dealings.'
• 2. a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer brings up a subject by either denying it, or denying that it should be brought up

Using apophasis: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "apophasis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I won't even mention the fact that my opponent has been accused of embezzlement. That would be apophasis.

• Example

  I'm not going to say anything about how much money he owes me. That would be apophasis.

Phrases with apophasis

• paralipsis

  a similar rhetorical device in which one emphasizes something by pretending to pass over it

  Example

  I won't even mention his lack of experience, because that's not what this election is about. (paralipsis)

• praeteritio

  a similar rhetorical device in which one pretends to pass over something while actually emphasizing it

  Example

  I won't even mention the fact that he was fired from his last job for stealing office supplies. (praeteritio)

Origins of apophasis

from Greek 'apóphasis', meaning 'denial'

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Summary: apophasis in Brief

'Apophasis' [uh-pof-uh-sis] is a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer brings up a subject by either denying it or denying that it should be brought up. It is often used to draw attention to a topic while pretending to ignore it. For example, 'I won't even mention the fact that my opponent has been accused of embezzlement. That would be apophasis.' Similar devices include 'paralipsis,' which emphasizes something by pretending to pass over it, and 'praeteritio,' which pretends to pass over something while actually emphasizing it.