Litotes
Literary term · say it LYE-tuh-teez
Litotes is a form of understatement that expresses something by denying its opposite. Calling a difficult task not easy, for example, can suggest that it is very hard while keeping the wording restrained.
Two ways litotes works
Restrained approval
Denying a negative quality can suggest a positive one. The wording may sound cautious, polite, or quietly amused.
In Pride and Prejudice, Sir William Lucas tries to bring Elizabeth and Darcy together for a dance. Darcy's willingness to take her hand is described by denying that he is unwilling.
In Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Understated warning
Denying something pleasant or harmless can suggest something frightening or dangerous. The contrast between mild words and serious circumstances gives the statement force.
In Beowulf, the account of the haunted lake where Grendel's mother lives denies that it is a pleasant place. The bleak surroundings make that restrained description especially striking.
In Beowulf by Anonymous
How to spot litotes
- Look for negatives such as not, no, or never.
- Ask whether the phrase suggests the opposite of what it denies.
- Compare the restrained wording with the strength of the situation.
What is the difference between litotes and understatement?
Litotes is a particular kind of understatement that works by denying an opposite. Understatement is broader: calling a disaster a small problem understates it without using a negative. Calling the same disaster no small problem uses litotes.
Is every phrase with not an example of litotes?
No, a negative statement is litotes only when denying one idea suggests its opposite. Saying a door is not blue may simply rule out one colour. Saying a remarkable achievement is no small feat suggests that it deserves considerable admiration.
Related terms
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