aporia

[ uh-pawr-ee-uh, uh-pohr- ]

noun

, plural a·po·ri·as, a·po·ri·ae [uh, -, pawr, -ee-ee, uh, -, pohr, -].

1. Rhetoric. the expression of a simulated or real doubt, as about where to begin or what to do or say.
2. Logic, Philosophy. a difficulty encountered in establishing the theoretical truth of a proposition, created by the presence of evidence both for and against it.

aporia

/ əˈpɔːrɪə; ˌæpəˈrɛtɪk /

noun

1. rhetoric a doubt, real or professed, about what to do or say
2. philosophy puzzlement occasioned by the raising of philosophical objections without any proffered solutions, esp in the works of Socrates

Derived Forms

• aporetic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aporia¹

1580–90; < Late Latin < Greek: state of being at a loss, equivalent to ápor ( os ) impassable ( a- ⁶, pore ² ) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of aporia¹

C16: from Greek, literally: a state of being at a loss

Example Sentences

Well, it’s more serious than manufacturing the perfect date because “Aporia” deals with loss and grief.

From New York Times

With its simplified quantum mechanics, abiding sensitivity and the sleepy neighborhood richness of Nicholas Bupp’s Los Angeles cinematography, “Aporia” needn’t stay one step ahead of smart viewers to keep us intrigued and off-balance, glued to how these flawed, well-intentioned characters use their irrevocable power and face the consequences.

From Los Angeles Times

Conquering time travel may be a big deal, but Greer’s affecting portrait of a woman processing a second chance keeps the miracles of “Aporia” grounded and not flashy — a portal to human epiphanies, not digitally rendered spectacle.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s that opportunity that provides the tightly wound cause-and-effect power to writer-director Jared Moshé’s small-scale fantasy “Aporia.”

From Los Angeles Times

This may be news to the three adults at the center of Jared Moshé’s film “Aporia,” a deeply silly time-travel weepie buoyed solely by the soapy warmth of its performances.

From New York Times