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 such as aporia."
"Mark Antony gives a speech dripping with aporia in the third act of ‘Julius Caesar.’"
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, including Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “Sonnet 43,” which starts, “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.
