Apophasis is a rhetorical device in which a speaker brings up a subject by explicitly saying they will not mention it. It’s often used to introduce an idea indirectly or to emphasize a point while appearing to downplay it.
✅ Definition:
Mentioning something by claiming you won’t mention it, often to draw attention or create irony.
💡 Example:
- “I won’t even talk about the fact that he was late again.”
(By saying this, you actually draw attention to his lateness.)
Another example:
- “Not to mention her constant interruptions during meetings…”
(You’re pointing it out while claiming you’re not.)
And there it is! Now go ahead and use apophasis in your CXC prep/CSEC prep.
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