paralepsis
Noun: A rhetorical device where a speaker or writer emphasizes a point by pretending to omit it or pass over it, thereby drawing more attention to it. It involves mentioning something while stating that one will not mention it.
Paralepsis is used as a singular noun. It is a formal term from rhetoric and literary analysis. - It is often employed in persuasive writing, speeches, and argumentation to introduce a damaging point indirectly. - The verb form is not commonly used; the action is described as "using paralepsis" or "employing paralepsis."
- The politician's speech was a masterclass in paralepsis, as he said, "I won't even mention my opponent's past legal troubles," ensuring everyone thought about them.
- By stating, "We need not discuss the project's massive cost overruns," the manager used paralepsis to make the financial failure the central issue of the meeting.
- The device of paralepsis allows a writer to highlight an idea precisely by claiming to ignore it.
- Strategic Omission: functions as a form of strategic omission, where the act of denying mention serves as the method of inclusion.
- Irony and Insinuation: Its use is inherently ironic and creates insinuation, forcing the audience to mentally supply the "omitted" information.
- Paraleptic (adjective): Of or relating to paralepsis.
- His paraleptic remark was more damaging than a direct accusation.
- Praeteritio (noun): A synonym for paralepsis, more common in classical rhetorical terminology.
- Occupatio (noun): Another classical rhetorical term for the same device.
- Praeteritio
- Occupatio
- Omission (in the specific rhetorical sense)
- Passing over
While there is no common idiom with the word "paralepsis," the device itself is related to the common phrase: - "Not to mention...": This everyday phrase often functions as a form of paralepsis. - The dinner was delicious, not to mention expensive. (Here, the cost is emphasized by the claim it won't be mentioned.)
- suggesting by deliberately concise treatment that much of significance is omitted