Definition & Bedeutung von "apophasis"

What is "apophasis"?

Apophasis is a rhetorical device where a speaker or writer pretends to ignore or dismiss a topic, but in doing so, actually highlights or draws attention to it. By saying they will not discuss something, they indirectly point out its significance. For example, if someone says, "I will not bring up the issue of budget overruns", they are subtly noting the budget problems. Apophasis uses the act of denial to reveal or emphasize something important.