Explore: Litotes

In rhetoric, litotes (/laɪˈtoʊtiːz, ˈlaɪtətiːz/, US: /ˈlɪtətiːz/), also known classically as antenantiosis or moderatour, is a figure of speech and form

used to, is frequently a difficulty in producing a readable translation. Litotes is a form of dramatic understatement employed by the author for ironic

humor. A particular form of understatement using negative syntax is called litotes. This is not to be confused with euphemism, where a polite phrase is used

of the positive ("I'm feeling well"). The rhetorical term for this is litotes. When two negatives are used in one independent clause, in standard English

standard meaning, such as describing a bad situation as "good times". Litotes – A figure of speech and form of verbal irony in which understatement is

wanted to die. Adynaton, an impossible form of hyperbole Figure of speech Litotes and meiosis, forms of deliberate understatement Tautology (language) "hyperbole"

is. Some authors treat and use antiphrasis just as irony, euphemism or litotes. When the antiphrasal use is very common, the word can become an auto-antonym

really is. Meiosis is the opposite of auxesis, and is often compared to litotes. The term is derived from the Greek μειόω ("to make smaller", "to diminish")

Internal rhyme: using two or more rhyming words in the same sentence. Litotes: an understatement achieved by negating the opposite statement, such as

The primitive koa finch (Rhodacanthis litotes) is an extinct species of Hawaiian honeycreeper in the subfamily Carduelinae of the family Fringillidae