What Is Litotes? | Definition & Examples

Litotes is a phrase that expresses an idea by negating its opposite. Examples include the common expressions “not half bad” to mean “good” and “not hard” to mean “easy.” Litotes is often used in everyday conversations and literature. It serves various purposes, such as conveying modesty, softening criticism, expressing irony, or subtly emphasizing a point.

Litotes examples
Running a marathon in under two hours is no small accomplishment.

I don’t dislike it.

She is not the sharpest tool in the shed.

It’s not a Matisse.

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