Definition

A situation where someone shows doubt or uncertainty about a question, often used for effect in speaking or writing.

Example

The speaker used aporia to engage the audience by expressing uncertainty about the topic.

Conversation

I was reading about aporia in literature class, and it's so interesting.

Oh really? What does it mean exactly?

It's basically when a speaker expresses doubt about something, like a rhetorical device.

That sounds cool! It must add a lot of depth to the writing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Aporia is derived from the Greek word "aporia" (ἀπορία), which is formed from the prefix "a-" (meaning without) and "poros" (meaning passage or way). The term originally referred to a state of being at a loss or having no way out, often used in philosophical contexts to describe a puzzling situation or a point of doubt.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' a 'way' — that's what aporia means, a state of being puzzled or at a loss.

Visually Confused Words