What is litotes?
Litotes is a figure of speech in which a negative statement is used to affirm a positive sentiment. For example, when asked how someone is doing, that person might respond, “I'm not bad.” In fact, this means that the person is doing fine or even quite well. The use of litotes is common in English and a number of other languages.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
38 Comments
deborahpmercer
Also an anagram of TS Eliot and Toilets!
Larry Kuykendall
It is defined as an ironic understatement.
Christina McKenzie
We had to memorize and be examined on figures of speech in Scotland in the 40s and 50s. Always did ' not badly'
Kat
When I take my teenage grandson clothes shopping, it's hard to get a really positive reaction. Usually, it's "I don't hate it"!
Ilias Tsiabardas
The Origin of the word Litotes is Greek ,Meaning Simple I know that we use the word in the Greek Language very much
rosemarymee
Christina McKenzie, I was just thinking that "this is something I knew when I was 16".
rosemarymee
Kat, How depressing!
Fleuriefirst
So refreshing after weeks of Lilly questions. Thank you
Martha McDowell
I liked the options to choose for to get the answer.
earlepg
Another new word (for me) that describes something that I frequently do. Thanks.
Suzanne Beer
Don't know
Eileen Dunn
Lucky guess,good to know what it means.
Bob Bracegirdle
Got it
Maggie Reed
Rembered it from school along with synecdoche.
Suraya Choudhury
I put hat !
ninakamwene
I did not know that. Not bad Litotes!
Leanna Greenbush
Got it wrong.