What is an example of Litote?
Litotes in Literature Of course, figurative language was made for fiction writing. Here are some samples that include a litotes: “The sword wasn’t useless to the warrior.” – Beowulf. “I am no prophet and here’s no great matter.” – The Lovesong of J.
What is the meaning of Litote?
: understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary (as in “not a bad singer” or “not unhappy”)
What is Litote in figure of speech?
Litotes is a figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite. Plural: litotes. Adjective: litotic. Also known (in classical rhetoric) as antenantiosis and moderatour. Litotes is a form of both conversational implicature and verbal irony.
What is a Litote in poetry?
A deliberate understatement for effect; the opposite of hyperbole.
What is litotes and meiosis?
In rhetoric, meiosis is a euphemistic figure of speech that intentionally understates something or implies that it is lesser in significance or size than it really is. Meiosis is the opposite of auxesis, and is often compared to litotes. The term is derived from the Greek μειόω (“to make smaller”, “to diminish”).
How do you use litotes in a sentence?
Litotes in a Sentence 🔉
- The Japanese woman used litotes to phrase her true thoughts in a nice way.
- Using litotes, the woman said, “the weather isn’t very nice today” during the tornado.
- “ Well, it’s not a Picasso,” Eric said while phrasing a litotes to describe the horrible painting. 🔉
Why is litotes used?
Litotes in literature Litotes is used in literature as a way for writers to effectively convey an idea. The reason they are so effective is because listeners or readers have to pause to interpret the actual meaning of the phrase, making it stick even more.
Is litotes the same as understatement?
Litotes and understatement are both forms of speech that involve downplaying the characteristics of something. Understatement involves minimizing the importance of something and Litotes is a special kind of understatement which involves expressing a positive sentence using its negative form.
What is the origin of the word litotes?
Origin of litotes First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin, from Greek lītótēs “plainness, simplicity, understatement (in rhetoric),” derivative of lītós “smooth, plain, simple”