PARALEPSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Paralepsis, also known as paralipsis, is a rhetorical device used in communication and literature, where the speaker or writer emphasizes or draws attention to something by claiming to pass or omit it. It is a deliberate act of bringing up a point or topic while simultaneously pretending to ignore it. Through this linguistic technique, the speaker indirectly highlights whatever they claim to ignore, often raising curiosity or adding an air of mystery to the subject.
The term "paralepsis" originates from the Greek word "paraleipsis," meaning "a leaving on one side." This underlines the idea of skipping or omitting something, and yet, paradoxically, focusing attention on it. The intention behind using paralepsis is typically to imply or insinuate something without explicitly stating it. By acknowledging the existence of a subject while pretending to disregard it, the speaker attempts to provoke curiosity or create emphasis.
Paralepsis is commonly employed in various forms of communication, including speeches, debates, writing, and even everyday conversations. In literature, authors often use this rhetorical device to develop suspense, create ambiguity, or to generate interest in a particular plot point or character trait. The skillful deployment of paralepsis allows writers and speakers to manipulate the audience's attention and understanding, making it a powerful tool for expression and persuasion.
In conclusion, paralepsis is a rhetorical technique where the speaker or writer brings attention to something by claiming to omit or pass over it. It is a deliberate act of emphasizing a subject indirectly by pretending to ignore it, often creating intrigue and curiosity in the audience.
Common Misspellings for PARALEPSIS
- oaralepsis
- laralepsis
- -aralepsis
- 0aralepsis
- pzralepsis
- psralepsis
- pwralepsis
- pqralepsis
- paealepsis
- padalepsis
- pafalepsis
- patalepsis
- pa5alepsis
- pa4alepsis
- parzlepsis
- parslepsis
- parwlepsis
- parqlepsis
- parakepsis
Etymology of PARALEPSIS
The word "paralepsis" comes from the Greek word "paralepsis" (παράληψις), which means "neglect" or "omission". It is derived from the Greek roots "para" (παρά), meaning "beside" or "beyond", and "lepsis" (λήψις), which means "taking" or "seizing". In English, "paralepsis" refers to a rhetorical figure of speech where the speaker intentionally emphasizes something by pretending to pass it over or ignore it.
Similar spelling words for PARALEPSIS
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