Apophasis is a rhetorical device through which a speaker or writer introduces a subject by either claiming not to bring it up or denying that it deserves mention, thereby highlighting it indirectly. This technique allows the speaker to make a point about the subject without explicitly addressing it.

Key Aspects of Apophasis:

• Denial of Mention: The speaker will often assert that they do not intend to discuss a particular issue while simultaneously referring to it, as in phrases like "I won’t mention his questionable past."

• Rhetorical Purpose: This method can be used to draw attention to something that might be sensitive, controversial, or undesirable without directly confronting it, thus allowing the speaker to address it in a subtle way.

Apophasis is often used in various types of discourse, including politics and literature, where discussing certain topics can carry significant implications.

For further details, check the following resources:

• Merriam-Webster - Apophasis Definition
• Wikipedia - Apophasis
• ThoughtCo - Apophasis in Rhetoric

These links provide a more in-depth understanding of the term and its usage in rhetoric.

Sources

APOPHASIS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-WebsterApophasis - WikipediaAPOPHASIS Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.comDefinition and Examples of Apophasis in Rhetoric - ThoughtCoAPOPHASIS definition in American English - Collins Dictionaryapophasis - Wiktionary, the free dictionaryApophasis - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com

Related Questions

What is a synonym for apophasis?

What is the difference between paralipsis and apophasis?

What is the religion apophasis?