What Is Litotes? | Definition & Examples

Litotes is a rhetorical device in which a positive point is expressed by using double negatives (e.g., “that’s not bad” to describe something amazing). It’s used in everyday language and literature to subtly emphasize a point, create irony, or use a subtle or modest tone.

Litotes definition

Litotes (pronounced lai-tow-teez) is when a double negative is used to express a positive. It’s a form of understatement that emphasizes an idea by negating the opposite idea of what you want to convey. For example, you can say, “That’s not bad” if you want to say you like something.

Litotes is derived from the Greek word “litos,” meaning “simple” or “meager.” It’s an understatement that can be used to soften a harsh statement, add humor to a situation, or express something in an indirect way.

You can use litotes in a few ways:

• A positive statement is expressed by negating its opposite. For example, a difficult task can be expressed as an “easy task” and negated by saying, “It’s no easy task.”
• Using a double negative. For example, saying “She’s not unaware of the challenges ahead” means she is aware of the challenges ahead.
• Negate a superlative. For example, saying “He’s not exactly the fastest runner in the race,” creates a superlative—the fastest runner—and negates it by saying he isn’t that person.

Litotes examples

Litotes has many uses and can be used in everyday language and literature.

Why do we use litotes?

Litotes is a form of understatement that allows writers and speakers to communicate in various ways. Litotes can be used to:

• Soften criticism. Litotes allows us to communicate indirectly and deliver criticism to someone less harshly. For example, a teacher might tell a student “This essay isn’t quite what I was expecting,” instead of “This essay is poorly written.”
• Express understatement. Litotes is a form of understatement and allows speakers to downplay a situation or use a modest or subtle tone. For example, saying “I’m not an expert, but I know a little bit,” humbly understates one’s knowledge on a topic they know a lot about.
• Add humor or irony. Indirect phrasing can have a sarcastic or dispassionate tone, which makes certain litotes funny or ironic. For example, a long, boring speech could be described by saying, “That speech wasn’t lacking in length.”
• Sound diplomatic or polite. Using litotes means using indirect language, allowing for courteous and tactful wording in delicate conversations. For example, telling someone “Your argument isn’t without its merits” politely agrees with part of their argument, but that also implies you disagree with part of their argument. Using the litotic version is more polite.

Frequently asked questions about litotes

What is an example of litotes?

An example of litotes is “The weather isn’t exactly tropical today” to describe a very cold day or “This isn’t the fanciest hotel I’ve stayed at” to describe a low-quality hotel.

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the perfect phrasing for your indirect language.

What is the difference between litotes and verbal irony?

Litotes and verbal irony are both rhetorical devices that use indirect expression, but they are different.

• Litotes uses understatement to downplay a situation or negation to affirm a positive (e.g., “that meal wasn’t bad” to describe a delicious meal).
• Verbal irony uses indirect language to convey contrast, often stating the opposite of what is meant (e.g., “I just love waiting in long lines”).

Scribbr’s free Paraphrasing Tool can help you find the perfect phrasing for your indirect language.