litotes Meaning, Definition & Usage
-
noun understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)
meiosis.
- saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes
WordNet
Li"to*tes noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. , from plain, simple.Definitions
(Rhet.) 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 .