How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Subreption

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Subreption

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Subreption is deliberate misrepresentation of facts, often through concealment.

Example

You were there. You were alone. You did it.

I was there, but I was busy. How am I expected to see things when I am busy? It's a big place.

The candle was burning. Light was emitted. There were hence photons in every corner of the room.

Discussion

A common political phrase is 'being economical with the truth'. Subreption happens often in situations where there is a lot at stake as people try to put their interests in the best possible light. This can happen in many places, from courtrooms to scientific journals.

An important factor is often that subrepetion is hidden and it is intentional that the listener kept in the dark. This deception may be achieved by various persuasive means, such as distraction or assumption.

Subreption comes from the Latin word 'subreptio', meaning 'theft'.

Classification: Hidden, Reasoning