Figures of Speech
Litotes
Use double negatives to create understated affirmation.
Last updated
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 questionsLearn more
Practice this concept
Practice public speaking
Apply rhetorical techniques like this in your own speeches and get AI feedback on structure, clarity, and delivery.