apophasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, academic, rhetorical
Quick answer
What does “apophasis” mean?
A rhetorical device where a speaker brings up a subject by denying that it should be brought up, or mentions something while claiming not to mention it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rhetorical device where a speaker brings up a subject by denying that it should be brought up, or mentions something while claiming not to mention it.
A form of irony or allusion where one pretends to omit or pass over something while actually drawing attention to it. In linguistics, it can refer to the omission of sounds in historical sound change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries connotations of sophistication, indirectness, and sometimes manipulative or sly communication in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language for both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic contexts related to classical studies.
Grammar
How to Use “apophasis” in a Sentence
[Subject] employs apophasis by [verb-ing]...This is a classic case of apophasis.The statement '[example]' constitutes apophasis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apophasis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The politician apophasised about the allegations, insisting he wouldn't discuss them.
American English
- The commentator apophasized the candidate's past failures while claiming to avoid the topic.
adverb
British English
- He referred, almost apophasically, to the need for ethical leadership.
American English
- She spoke apophasically about the investigation's findings.
adjective
British English
- Her apophasic remark about the budget deficit was transparent to all.
American English
- The ad used an apophasic approach to smear the opponent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in analysis of corporate communications or PR statements that indirectly reference a scandal.
Academic
Common in rhetoric, classical studies, linguistics, literary criticism, and political communication studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in its specialised rhetorical and linguistic senses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apophasis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apophasis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apophasis”
- Misspelling as 'apophesis' or 'apophysis'.
- Confusing it with 'apostrophe' (the punctuation or rhetorical address).
- Using it to mean simply 'omission' without the ironic, attention-drawing element.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Apophasis is a rhetorical figure, not necessarily a falsehood. It is a way of structuring a statement to imply something without stating it directly.
Yes. Mark Antony's speech in Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' ('I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him') is a classic example, as he repeatedly praises Caesar while claiming not to.
Almost never. It is a highly specialised term used mainly in academic, rhetorical, or linguistic analysis.
Apophasis is a specific rhetorical technique. Irony is a broader category of meaning where words convey the opposite of their literal sense. Apophasis can be a form of verbal irony.
A rhetorical device where a speaker brings up a subject by denying that it should be brought up, or mentions something while claiming not to mention it.
Apophasis is usually formal, academic, rhetorical in register.
Apophasis: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɒfəsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɑːfəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms feature this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A POint I'm not making, PHASically' – it's bringing up a point by saying you won't bring it up.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK; KNOWLEDGE IS AN OBJECT TO BE POINTED AT INDIRECTLY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of apophasis?