Litotes

Litotes is a figure of speech that employs understatement by using double negatives or, in its simplest form, a positive statement expressed by negating its opposite. This rhetorical device is often used to convey modesty or a sense of humility while emphasizing a point, adding a nuanced layer to the expression.

Litotes meaning with examples

• After receiving a modest promotion, Jane remarked, 'It's not the worst job in the world,' subtly expressing her contentment while downplaying her achievement.
• When asked about his performance, Tom humbly replied, 'I did alright,' which, through the use of Litotes, hinted at a strong performance without boasting.
• Referring to the particularly stunning landscape, Sarah stated, 'It's not a bad view,' using Litotes to emphasize its beauty while maintaining a sense of restraint.
• When discussing the team's chances, Coach Thompson said, 'They aren't the least skilled group I've coached,' skillfully using Litotes to acknowledge their solid abilities without overpromising.