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Litotes is an understatement in which a positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite. This sounds like a strange definition, but a few examples will make the meaning clear.
The classic example of litotes is the phrase “not bad.” By negating the word “bad,” you’re saying that something is good, or at least OK. However, in most contexts it’s an understatement. For example: “Not bad! Not bad at all!” The idea here is that someone is actually pretty excited about something – that they think it’s a lot better than just “not bad.”
Litotes (pronounced LIE-tuh-teez or lie-TOE-teez) is a Greek word meaning “simple, plain.”
It is quite common to hear examples of litotes in everyday speech in English. Perhaps you have heard or even used some of the following expressions:
The classic example of litotes is the phrase “not bad.” By negating the word “bad,” you’re saying that something is good, or at least OK. However, in most contexts it’s an understatement. For example: “Not bad! Not bad at all!” The idea here is that someone is actually pretty excited about something – that they think it’s a lot better than just “not bad.”
Litotes (pronounced LIE-tuh-teez or lie-TOE-teez) is a Greek word meaning “simple, plain.”
It is quite common to hear examples of litotes in everyday speech in English. Perhaps you have heard or even used some of the following expressions:
- He’s not the friendliest person.
- It wasn’t a terrible trip.
- She’s not unkind.
