paralipsis

[ par-uh-lip-sis ]

noun

, Rhetoric.

, plural par·a·lip·ses [par-, uh, -, lip, -seez].

1. the suggestion, by deliberately concise treatment of a topic, that much of significance is being omitted, as in “not to mention other faults.”

paralipsis

/ ˌpærəˈlaɪpsɪs; ˌpærəˈlɪpsɪs /

noun

1. a rhetorical device in which an idea is emphasized by the pretence that it is too obvious to discuss, as in there are many drawbacks to your plan, not to mention the cost

Word History and Origins

Origin of paralipsis¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin paralīpsis, from Greek paráleipsis “an omitting,” equivalent to paraleíp(ein) “to leave on one side” (equivalent to para- + leípein “to leave”) + -sis; para- ¹, -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of paralipsis¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek: neglect, from paraleipein to leave aside, from para- ¹+ leipein to leave