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Aporia

[ə-POR-ee-ə]

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Latin, 16th century

1.

An irresolvable internal contradiction or logical disjunction in a text, argument, or theory.

2.

(Rhetoric) the expression of doubt.

Examples of Aporia in a sentence

"Today’s English class will focus on rhetorical devices like aporia."

"Marc Antony gives a speech in the third act of “Julius Ceasar” dripping with aporia."

About Aporia

This word stems from ​​late Latin via the Greek “aporos,” meaning “impassable.” “A-” means “without,” and “poros” means “passage.”

Did you Know?

“Aporia” is most commonly used as a rhetorical device, for an expression of doubt. Aporia pops up often in speeches, political rhetoric and literature, like Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43, which starts out with, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Browning's claim that she might not remember all "the ways" is exactly what gives her an opportunity to enumerate them.

illustration Aporia

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