litotes
li·to·tes
litotes · litotes
литота
Litotes
A figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its oppositeA figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite.
/laɪˈtəʊ.tiːz/
Meaning
2 senses(countable, rhetoric, uncountable)A figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite.
Litotes
лито́таlitóta
A figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite.
(countable, especially, rhetoric, uncountable)The negation of a negative quality to assert a positive.
More definitions
- understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)
Translations
7 languagesРусский
By meaning 1
rhetoric: stating a point by denying its opposite:
Deutsch
By meaning 1
rhetoric: stating a point by denying its opposite:
Origin
Learned borrowing from Late Latin lītotēs, from Ancient Greek λιτότης (litótēs, literallyLearned borrowing from Late Latin lītotēs, from Ancient Greek λιτότης (litótēs, literally “plainness”), from λιτός (litós, “simple”).
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Forms
plural: litotesSynonyms
3 synonymsClose in meaning
- understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary):meiosis
Antonyms
1 antonymsWord family
5 related wordsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable