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"
Used in a Sentence
litotes
How to use litotes in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for litotes.
Editorial note
He is trained in understatement in all things; he has litotes coursing through his veins.
Examples7
Definitions1
Parts of speech1
Quick take
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"
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of litotes gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for litotes.
noun
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"
See also: meiosis
Example sentences
He is trained in understatement in all things; he has litotes coursing through his veins.
Unlike the litotes in your Orwell quote, "not uncommon" and "common" mean different things.
Of course, all litotes can be interpreted literally, and you often need context or tone to convey the meaning
He knew all the tricks, dramatic irony, metaphor, bathos, puns, parody, litotes and satire.
It's the rhetorical figure called "litotes" and has been common in many languages now and throughout linguistic history.
It's called "litotes", and it often conveys a distinct meaning compared to "collapsing" the negatives into a single positive.
The ironic form of simile, used in sarcasm, and some forms of litotes can emphasize one's meaning by the deliberate use of language which states the opposite of the truth, denies the contrary of the truth, or drastically and obviously understates a factual connection.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use litotes in a sentence?
He is trained in understatement in all things; he has litotes coursing through his veins.
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 commonly used as noun.