Stylistic Devices – Litotes

form of understatement

Litotes is a form of understatement which uses the denied opposite of a word to weaken or soften a message.

Examples:

• That's not bad. (instead of: That's good/great.)
• Boats aren't easy to find in the dark. ⁽⁴⁾ (instead of: Boats are hard/difficult to find in the dark.)

see also: → Understatement

Changed: 06th Nov 2006 11:34

URL: http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/writing/style/litotes