Litotes

/laɪˈtəʊtiːz/
noun

A way of saying something is true by denying its opposite. It is a form of understatement, used to say something in a less direct way.

He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, meaning he is not very smart.
Visual representation of "litotes" - A way of saying something is true by denying its opposite. It is a form of understatement, used to say something in a less direct way

Often appears as...

  • a classic example of litotes
  • pure litotes

Usage tips

Literary

noun

A way of saying something is true by denying its opposite. It is a form of understatement, used to say something in a less direct way.

He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, meaning he is not very smart.
Visual representation of "litotes" - A way of saying something is true by denying its opposite. It is a form of understatement, used to say something in a less direct way

Often appears as...

  • a classic example of litotes
  • pure litotes

Usage tips

Literary

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "litotes"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Softening Criticism

Litotes can be used to politely criticize someone without being too harsh or direct.

Illustration for Softening Criticism
She isn't the fastest worker in the office, meaning she works slowly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Irony Amplifier

Sometimes, litotes can create an ironic effect, implying the opposite is very true.

Illustration for Irony Amplifier
Winning the lottery would not be a small convenience.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Praise

Litotes can be used to give a compliment modestly by downplaying the intensity of praise.

Illustration for Subtle Praise
He's not a bad singer, actually implying he is quite good.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Softening Criticism

Litotes can be used to politely criticize someone without being too harsh or direct.

Illustration for Softening Criticism
She isn't the fastest worker in the office, meaning she works slowly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Irony Amplifier

Sometimes, litotes can create an ironic effect, implying the opposite is very true.

Illustration for Irony Amplifier
Winning the lottery would not be a small convenience.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Praise

Litotes can be used to give a compliment modestly by downplaying the intensity of praise.

Illustration for Subtle Praise
He's not a bad singer, actually implying he is quite good.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Softening Criticism

Litotes can be used to politely criticize someone without being too harsh or direct.

Illustration for Softening Criticism
She isn't the fastest worker in the office, meaning she works slowly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Irony Amplifier

Sometimes, litotes can create an ironic effect, implying the opposite is very true.

Illustration for Irony Amplifier
Winning the lottery would not be a small convenience.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Praise

Litotes can be used to give a compliment modestly by downplaying the intensity of praise.

Illustration for Subtle Praise
He's not a bad singer, actually implying he is quite good.
Visual representation of the word "Litotes"

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Quote examples

P. J. O'Rourke

American Comedian

Preachers at black churches are the last people left in the English-speaking world who know the schemes and tropes of classical rhetoric: parallelism, antithesis, epistrophe, synecdoche, metonymy, periphrasis, litotes - the whole bag of tricks.
Portrait of P. J. O'Rourke

Quote examples

P. J. O'Rourke

American Comedian

Preachers at black churches are the last people left in the English-speaking world who know the schemes and tropes of classical rhetoric: parallelism, antithesis, epistrophe, synecdoche, metonymy, periphrasis, litotes - the whole bag of tricks.
Portrait of P. J. O'Rourke
Example 1 of 1
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