litotes Meaning & Definition
/ˈlaɪ.təʊ.tiːz/
What Does Litotes Mean?
As a noun, litotes means A figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite. The negation of a negative quality to assert a positive. It is also used to mean The negation of a negative quality to assert a positive.
Litotes: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈlaɪ.təʊ.tiːz// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | meiosis |
| Antonyms | hyperbole |
Litotes Definition (Noun)
- A figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite. The negation of a negative quality to assert a positive.
- The negation of a negative quality to assert a positive.
Noun
- An ironic figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite, particularly the negation of a negative quality to say something positive.
Synonyms of Litotes
Litotes synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Litotes
Litotes in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
litotes (countable and uncountable, plural litotes)
Words That Rhyme With Litotes
cut oats
Origin of Litotes
Learned borrowing from Late Latin lītotēs, from Ancient Greek λιτότης (litótēs, literally “plainness”), from λιτός (litós, “simple”).
How Do You Say Litotes?
You say litotes as //ˈlaɪ.təʊ.tiːz//. It has 1 syllable.
Litotes: Your Questions Answered
What part of speech is litotes?
Litotes is a noun.
What is another word for litotes?
Close synonyms of litotes are meiosis. See the full list of litotes synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of litotes?
The opposite of litotes is hyperbole.