Not to say

usgb
phrase

Used to introduce a stronger or more accurate word or phrase than the one just used.

His behavior was strange, not to say bizarre.
Visual representation of "not to say" - Used to introduce a stronger or more accurate word or phrase than the one just used.

Often appears as...

  • not to say strange
  • not to say impossible
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "not to say"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Stress Contrast

Use 'not to say' to emphasize how the next term stands out in comparison to the first.

Illustration for Stress Contrast
The movie was enjoyable, not to say hilarious.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Escalating Ideas

The phrase helps depict a rising scale or intensity of a characteristic.

Illustration for Escalating Ideas
Her solution was clever, not to say ingenious.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Corrective

It's a polite way to suggest an alternative, perhaps more accurate or extreme, term.

Illustration for Subtle Corrective
The deal was fair, not to say generous.
Visual representation of the word "Not to say"

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