apophatism
/əˈpɑfəˌtɪzəm/
noun
- A way of describing something by saying what it is not, rather than what it is.
- The philosopher explained the concept of God through apophatism, saying God is not limited, not visible, and not mortal.
- In her poem, she used apophatism to describe love as 'not jealous, not boastful, not proud.'
- When asked to define happiness, the teacher used apophatism: 'Happiness is not wealth, not fame, and not power.'