What does preterition mean?
Preterition is a noun that refers to the act of deliberately passing over or ignoring something, often in a rhetorical or strategic manner. This can involve omitting or mentioning something in order to draw attention to it, or to create a particular effect. Preterition can be used in a range of contexts, from politics and rhetoric to everyday conversation. The word has a somewhat formal tone and is often used to describe situations in which someone is intentionally avoiding or downplaying a particular topic or issue. Understanding preterition can help individuals better navigate complex social interactions and communicate more effectively. In addition, recognizing preterition can also help people to identify potential biases or manipulations in language.
nounPreterition refers to the act of passing over or ignoring something, especially in a deliberate or intentional manner. It can also refer to a rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer deliberately omits or mentions something in order to draw attention to it.
- The act of passing over or ignoring something
- A rhetorical device in which a speaker or writer deliberately omits or mentions something
"The politician's preterition of the scandal during the debate raised suspicions among the audience."
"The company's preterition of the environmental impact in their report was criticized by activists."
"The preterition of the elephant in the room was awkward, as everyone knew it was there."
The plural form is used when referring to multiple instances of preterition.
"The company's reports were criticized for their preteritions of environmental impact."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of preterition
The word 'preterition' has its roots in Latin. It is derived from 'preterire', which means 'to go beyond' or 'to pass over'. This Latin term is a combination of 'preter', meaning 'beyond' or 'on the other side of', and 'ire', meaning 'to go'. The word 'preterition' entered the English language in the 15th century and has been used in various contexts, including rhetoric and literature, to describe the act of passing over or ignoring something.
How preterition is actually used
Preterition can have a range of connotations, from neutral to negative, depending on the context. In rhetoric, preterition is often used to draw attention to something by pretending to ignore it.