Thesaurus: litotes

Related headwords

Definitions

1. n. A diminution or softening of statement for the sake of avoiding censure or increasing the effect by contrast with the moderation shown in the form of expression; as, " a citizen of no mean city," that is, of an illustrious city.
2. n. understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)
3. A diminution or softening of statement for the sake of avoiding censure or increasing the effect by contrast with the moderation shown in the form of expression; as, " a citizen of no mean city," that is, of an illustrious city.
4. A diminution or softening of statement for the sake of avoidingcensure or increasing the effect by contrast with the moderationshown in the form of expression; as, " a citizen of no mean city,"that is, of an illustrious city.
5. n. understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)