Advertisement
Advertisement
aposiopesis
[ ap-uh-sahy-uh-pee-sis ]
noun
- a sudden breaking off in the midst of a sentence, as if from inability or unwillingness to proceed.
aposiopesis
/ ˌæpəʊˌsaɪəˈpiːsɪs; ˌæpəʊˌsaɪəˈpɛtɪk /
noun
- rhetoric the device of suddenly breaking off in the middle of a sentence as if unwilling to continue
Discover More
Derived Forms
- aposiopetic, adjective
Discover More
Other Words From
- ap·o·si·o·pet·ic [ap-, uh, -sahy-, uh, -, pet, -ik], adjective
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of aposiopesis1
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of aposiopesis1
Discover More
Example Sentences
The aposiopesis was alarming, and Blarden's direction was obeyed instantaneously.
Though in my edition I have made here an aposiopesis, I think it more probable that a line has been lost.
There may have been, as Malone thought, a line lost here; but I rather think it is an aposiopesis.
There is either an aposiopesis or a line lost after this; I think the latter.
There may be a line lost here; I make in preference an aposiopesis.
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[gal-uh-maw-free ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse