Find the word definition

Crossword clues for apophasis

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Apophasis

Apophasis \A*poph"a*sis\ ([.a]*p[o^]f"[.a]*s[i^]s), n. [Gr. 'apo`fasis denial, fr. 'apofa`nai to speak out, to deny.] (Rhet.) A figure by which a speaker formally declines to take notice of a favorable point, but in such a manner as to produce the effect desired. [For example, see Mark Antony's oration.
--Shak., Julius C[ae]sar, iii. 2.]

Wiktionary
apophasis

n. (context rhetoric English) An allusion to something by denying that it will be mentioned

WordNet
apophasis

n. mentioning something by saying it will not be mentioned

Wikipedia
Apophasis

Apophasis is a rhetorical device wherein the speaker or writer brings up a subject by either denying it, or denying that it should be brought up. Accordingly, it can be seen as a rhetorical relative of irony.

The device is also called paralipsis (παράλειψις) – also spelled paraleipsis or paralepsis – or occupatio, and known also as praeteritio, preterition, antiphrasis (ἀντίφρασις), or parasiopesis (παρασιώπησις).

Usage examples of "apophasis".

Probably I went on holding my body close to yours, but I felt also that you were in flight, ascending, being transformed into gold, opening locked doors, moving objects through the air as I penetrated your dark belly, Megale Apophasis, Prisoner of the Angels.