--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: APOPHASIS (APO'PHASIS) n.s.[Lat. a…" description: "\"“APOPHASIS (APO'PHASIS) n.s.[Lat. a denying.] A figure in rhetorick, by which the orator, speaking ironically, seems to wave what he would plainl..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a20/samuel-johnson-50_figure-rhetorick_apophasis-apo-phasis-n-s-lat-a-denying-a_2917435.jpg" --- # APOPHASIS (APO'PHASIS) n.s.\[Lat. a denying.\] A figure in… ![“APOPHASIS (APO'PHASIS) n.s.[Lat. a denying.] A figure in rhetorick, by which the orator, speaking ironically, seems to wave what he would plainly insinuate; as, Neither will I mention those things, which if I should, you notwithstanding could neither confute or speak against them.Smith’sRhetorick.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a20/samuel-johnson-50_figure-rhetorick_apophasis-apo-phasis-n-s-lat-a-denying-a_2917435.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a20/samuel-johnson-50_figure-rhetorick_apophasis-apo-phasis-n-s-lat-a-denying-a_2917435.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a20/samuel-johnson-50_figure-rhetorick_apophasis-apo-phasis-n-s-lat-a-denying-a_2917435.jpg) > ““APOPHASIS  (APO'PHASIS)   n.s.\[Lat.    a denying.\] A figure in rhetorick, by which the orator, speaking ironically, seems to wave what he would plainly insinuate; as, Neither will I mention those things, which if I should, you notwithstanding could neither confute or speak against them.Smith’sRhetorick.”” [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Apophasis is a rhetorical device where the speaker pretends not to mention something, actually highlighting it. **In simple terms:** Apophasis subtly draws attention to a point. Key Takeaway Use apophasis to imply without stating. Themes rhetoric communication subtlety Mood educational critical Type literary academic When to use this quote - debate - writing - public speaking - media analysis Key Concepts logic irony Questions to Reflect On - When is apophasis effective? - What risks does it carry? 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