English dictionary



Info: This web site is based on WordNet 3.0 from Princeton University.

English noun: litotes

1. litotes (communication) understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)


SamplesSaying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes.


Synonymsmeiosis


Broader (hypernym)rhetorical device, understatement









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
Web design: Orcapia v/Per Bang. English edition: .
2025 onlineordbog.dk