Definition of litotes
English to English 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.
source: WordNet 3.0 - A diminution or softening of statement for the sake of avoiding censure or increasing the effect by contrast with the moderation shown in the form of expression; as, " a citizen of no mean city," that is, of an illustrious city.
source: Webster 1913
Visual Synonyms 
Nearby Word
litotes, lots, lotus, lotos, litas, lates, litigious, lituus, lhotse, lutose, lithagogue, loutish, luteous, litchee, lao-tse, lattice, lats, low-tech, let it go, leeds
|
|
|