Aphorismus

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Aphorismus is a figure of speech that calls into question the meaning of a word ("How can you call yourself a man?"). It often appears in the form of a rhetorical question and is meant to imply a distinction between the present subject and the general notion or ideal of the subject.

It is sometimes confused with the word, "aphorism," which means "a wise saying."

Examples

• "For you have but mistook me all this while. / I live with bread like you, feel want, / Taste grief, need friends: subjected thus, / How can you say to me I am a king?" William Shakespeare, Richard II Act 3, scene 2, 174-177

See also

• Figure of speech

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Last updated on Monday June 25, 2007 at 13:44:39 PDT (GMT -0700)
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