litotes
Say it: ly-TOH-teez /laɪˈtəʊtiːz/ · noun
What “litotes” means
Making a point gently by saying its opposite isn't true.
More precisely: Understatement made by denying the opposite, as in 'not bad'.
Example: “Calling the marathon 'not exactly a stroll' is classic British litotes.”
When to use it
When discussing understated praise or criticism expressed by denying the opposite, common in dry or modest British speech.
Similar words
understatement, meiosis
Where it comes from
Greek litotēs, 'plainness, simplicity'.
Quick check
After tasting a delicious meal, you praise it by saying it wasn't unpleasant. Which kind of understatement is this?
hyperbole or litotes?
Show the answer
litotes
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