‖ litotes Rhet.
(ˈlaɪtəʊtiːz)
[Gr. λῑτότης, f. λῑτός smooth, plain, small, meagre.]
A figure of speech, in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary; an instance of this.
Examples of litotes are: ‘A citizen of no mean city’; ‘When no small tempest lay on us.’
| 1657 J. Smith Myst. Rhet. 3. 1696 in Phillips (ed. 5). 1727 Pope, etc. Art of Sinking 115 The litotes or diminution, [is the peculiar talent] of ladies, whisperers, and backbiters. 1883 Schaff Hist. Chr. Ch. I. v. 291 Pressing into his service..the litotes and other rhetorical figures. |