Hypotimesis; or, Under-Estimating Parenthetic Addition by way of Apology or Excuse
Hy-po-ti-mee´-sis (ὑποτίμησις), from ὑπό (hypo), under, and τίμησις (timeesis), a valuing, or estimating, from τιμάω (timaô), to deem, or hold worthy . Hence, an under-estimating, under-valuing .
A parenthetical remark is so called when it is apologetic, in order to excuse some bold or extravagant use of language, such as “If I may so say,” or “So to speak,” or, “As it were.”
The name MEILIGMATA is given to the words so used, from μείλιγμα (meiligma), anything that serves to soothe . And this from μειλίσσω (meilissô), to soothe, propitiate .
Romans 3:5. -“I speak as a man.”
2 Corinthians 11:23. -“I speak as a fool.”