Apophasis
Definition
A rhetorical figure of speech whereby a speaker brings up a topic while paradoxically declaring that they will not talk about it or will pass it over in silence; a specialized form of preterition or paralipsis. In the context of negative theology, the term gains a profound conceptual meaning, denoting the path of negation through which the inability of the human mind to describe the divine essence is acknowledged.
Bilingual Equivalents
- Apophasis
- Paralipsis
Grammatical & Source Details
| Inflection Type | Neuter noun, structurally invariant or treated as a technical singular term in stylistic treatises. |
| Formation | Direct structural preservation of Ancient Greek 'apophasis', combining 'apo-' (away from) and 'phasis' (saying, speech). |
| Spelling / Pronunciation | [a.ˈpo.fa.sis] |
| Source | Encyclopedia of Classical Oratory, Literary Dispositio, and Mystical Hermeneutics |
Contextual Usage Examples
RO: Folosind un apofasis subtil, avocatul a amintit juriului trecutul bizar al martorului, deși pretindea că nu vrea să îl discute.
EN: Using a subtle apophasis, the lawyer reminded the jury of the witness's bizarre past, although he claimed he did not want to discuss it.
RO: În scrierile lui Dionisie Areopagitul, termenul apofasis este cheia înțelegerii transcendenței absolute a lui Dumnezeu.
EN: In the writings of Dionysius the Areopagite, the term apophasis is the key to understanding the absolute transcendence of God.
RO: Oratorul a recurs la un apofasis ironic: 'Nu voi menționa incompetența adversarului meu, ci mă voi axa pe fapte'.
EN: The orator resorted to an ironic apophasis: 'I will not mention my opponent's incompetence, but instead focus on facts'.
Idioms & Phrases
Procedeu de apofasis / Apophasis procedure / rhetorical omission
RO: Artificiu lingvistic prin care se scoate în evidență o informație tocmai prin simularea intenției de a o ignora.
EN: A linguistic artifice through which information is highlighted precisely by simulating the intention to ignore it.
Apofasis teologic / Theological apophasis / apophatic way
RO: Metodă mistică ce descrie divinitatea exclusiv prin ceea ce NU este ea, eliminând atributele umane limitate.
EN: A mystical method describing the divinity exclusively by what it is NOT, eliminating limited human attributes.
Efect de apofasis / Effect of apophasis / psychological emphasis
RO: Impactul de atragere a curiozității auditoriului obținut atunci când un detaliu este lăsat aparent neanalizat.
EN: The impact of attracting audience curiosity achieved when a detail is left apparently unanalyzed.
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