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noun

litotes

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Litotes (noun) means a way of speaking in which you show something is true by denying its opposite.

noun
1
A way of speaking in which you show something is true by denying its opposite.
2
The use of a negative word to express something positive.
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Etymology

A learned borrowing from Late Latin lītotēs, taken from Ancient Greek λιτότης (litótēs, literally “plainness”), which comes from λιτός (litós, “simple”).

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of litotes?
"litotes" (noun) means a way of speaking in which you show something is true by denying its opposite.
What is another word for litotes?
Other words for "litotes" include meiosis.
What is the opposite of litotes?
The opposite of "litotes" is hyperbole.
What are the different meanings of litotes?
"litotes" has 2 main meanings: 1. A way of speaking in which you show something is true by denying its opposite; 2. The use of a negative word to express something positive.

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