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Litotes Definition & Meaning

litotes
noun
  1. understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary); "saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes"

Usage tips for "litotes"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "litotes" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for litotes to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does litotes mean?
understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary); "saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes"
What part of speech is litotes?
Litotes is a noun.

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