Figures of Speech
Litotes

Use double negatives to create understated affirmation.

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What it is

A figure of speech that uses deliberate understatement through double negatives or negation of the opposite to affirm something positive. This creates a sophisticated, measured tone that can be more persuasive than direct statements by allowing the audience to draw stronger conclusions.

Before & after

Before

“The product is very good.”

After

“The product is not without its merits. Our results were not insignificant.”

When you’ll use it

Diplomatic performance feedback: 'Your presentation was not without impact' instead of 'great presentation'

Conservative financial projections: 'The results are not insignificant' when reporting strong growth

Professional disagreement: 'That approach is not without challenges' when diplomatically opposing an idea

Pro tip

Use 'not un-' constructions to sound more measured and sophisticated.

Questions & answers

3 questions

What is litotes in speaking?

Litotes expresses positive meaning through negative constructions, often for modest emphasis or u...

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When should I use litotes in professional communication?

Use litotes to express modesty about achievements, acknowledge challenges diplomatically, or crea...

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How is litotes different from simple understatement?

Litotes specifically uses negative constructions to affirm positives ('not insignificant' = impor...

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Learn more

Silva Rhetoricae - Litotes
Wikipedia - Litotes

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