paralipsis

American  

[par-uh-lip-sis] / ˌpær əˈlɪp sɪs /

Also paraleipsis

noun

Rhetoric.

plural

paralipses

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

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paralipsis British  

/ ˌpærəˈlɪpsɪs, ˌpærəˈlaɪpsɪs /

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

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Etymology

Origin of paralipsis

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

Example Sentences

The third unifying strategy is a slippery one called paralipsis, which you translate colloquially as "I'm not saying/I'm just saying."

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2020

Trump's use of paralipsis is really revealing about his whole rhetorical strategy.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2020

"That's the kind of man that Jerry is—harmless, docile and most agreeable, but let him be aroused—" I paused, letting the paralipsis finish my suggestion.

From Paradise Garden The Satirical Narrative of a Great Experiment by Gibbs, George