Litotes vs. Understatement — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Litotes is a figure of speech using double negatives to affirm a positive, while Understatement minimizes the significance of something, often for effect.
Difference Between Litotes and Understatement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In the realm of rhetorical devices, both Litotes and Understatement serve to convey ideas in subtle, often ironic ways. Litotes specifically achieves this through the use of double negatives. For instance, saying "not bad" to mean "good" is a classic example of Litotes. On the other hand, Understatement is a broader rhetorical device where the speaker or writer intentionally makes a situation seem less significant or serious than it truly is.
Litotes often employs a specific structural approach to convey affirmation through negation. In using Litotes, the intended positive meaning is often underscored by denying its opposite. For instance, "She's not the ugliest person I've met" implies she is attractive. Meanwhile, Understatement can be achieved without the structural constraints of double negatives. An example of Understatement might be, "It rained a bit," when describing a massive downpour.
One could argue that Litotes is a type of Understatement since it diminishes the intensity of the statement for effect. However, not all Understatements are Litotes. Litotes is bound by its use of negative terms to create a positive assertion. Understatement, in contrast, can simply downplay the importance or severity of something without necessarily using negation.
In essence, while both Litotes and Understatement are rhetorical devices aiming to downplay or subtly convey meanings, they differ in their approach. Litotes relies on double negatives for affirmation, whereas Understatement diminishes the magnitude of a statement, often to produce ironic or humorous effects.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A figure of speech using double negatives to affirm a positive.
A figure of speech that presents something as being smaller, less significant, or less serious than it truly is.
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Structure
Employs double negatives.
Not restricted to any specific structure.
Purpose
Affirms a positive through negation.
Minimizes the significance of something for effect.
Example
"Not bad" to mean "good".
"It's a bit chilly" when it's freezing cold.
Relation
A type of Understatement.
A broader term encompassing various ways to downplay significance.
Compare with Definitions
Litotes
A form of understatement achieved through double negation.
She's not unfamiliar with the subject means she's well-acquainted with it.
Understatement
A rhetorical device to underemphasize for irony or humility.
He's not the brightest when someone does something obviously foolish.
Litotes
Expressing an idea by denying its opposite.
You won't regret not going means you'll be glad you went.
Understatement
Presenting something as less significant than it is, often for effect.
It's just a scratch when referring to a large dent in a car.
Litotes
A rhetorical device using double negatives for positive affirmation.
He's not the least talented in the group means he's very talented.
Understatement
A figure of speech that downplays the importance or magnitude of something.
Referring to a hurricane as a little wind.
Litotes
Affirming something by negating its opposite.
The dessert wasn't too bad implies it was good.
Understatement
Making a deliberate display of insignificance.
I may have overreacted a tad when someone has a huge meltdown.
Litotes
In rhetoric, litotes (, US: or ; also known classically as antenantiosis or moderatour) is a figure of speech and form of verbal irony in which understatement is used to emphasize a point by stating a negative to further affirm a positive, often incorporating double negatives for effect. Litotes is a form of understatement, more specifically meiosis, and is always deliberate with the intention of emphasis.
Understatement
Understatement is an expression of lesser strength than what the speaker or writer actually means or than what is normally expected. It is the opposite of embellishment or exaggeration, and is used for emphasis, irony, hedging, or humor.
Litotes
A figure of speech consisting of an understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite, as in This is no small problem.
Understatement
The presentation of something as being smaller or less good or important than it really is
A master of English understatement
To say I am delighted is an understatement
Litotes
(rhetoric) An ironic figure of speech whereby something is stated by denying its opposite, particularly the negation of a negative quality to say something positive.
Understatement
A disclosure or statement that is less than complete.
Litotes
A diminution or softening of statement for the sake of avoiding censure or increasing the effect by contrast with the moderation shown in the form of expression; a form of understatement; as, " a citizen of no mean city," that is, of an illustrious city; or, "not bad", meaning "good".
Understatement
Restraint or lack of emphasis in expression, as for rhetorical effect.
Litotes
Understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary);
Saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes
Understatement
Restraint in artistic expression.
Litotes
A subtle way of saying something positive by negating its negative.
It's not my first rodeo means I'm experienced.
Understatement
A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is, either through phrasing or lack of emphasis, often for ironic effect.
A master of understatement
Understatement
(countable) An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis.
Now that's an understatement.
Understatement
An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.
Understatement
The act of understating, or the condition of being understated; that which is understated; a statement below the truth.
Understatement
A statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said
Understatement
Describing something with less force than warranted by the situation.
There might be a slight issue when a major problem arises.
Common Curiosities
What is Litotes in simple terms?
Litotes is a figure of speech that uses double negatives to express a positive meaning, like "not bad" to mean "good".
Can Litotes be considered an Understatement?
Yes, Litotes is a specific type of Understatement achieved through double negation.
How does Litotes contribute to communication?
Litotes can enhance communication by adding nuance, emphasis, or irony to statements.
Give an example of Litotes.
"She's not unattractive" means she's attractive.
Can Understatement be humorous?
Yes, Understatement is often used for ironic or humorous effects.
Why use Litotes instead of a direct statement?
Litotes can add emphasis, subtlety, or irony to a statement, making it more impactful or memorable.
How is Understatement different from Litotes?
Understatement downplays the importance of something, while Litotes uses double negatives to affirm a positive.
Does Litotes always affirm a positive?
Typically, yes. By negating a negative, Litotes often implies a positive meaning.
Are Understatements always ironic?
Not always. While often used for irony, Understatement can also be used for humility or tact.
What's the main structural characteristic of Litotes?
Litotes typically employs double negatives to create a positive assertion.
Can an Understatement be a factually accurate description?
Yes, but it often presents the facts in a way that seems less significant than they truly are.
Is "not unhappy" an example of Litotes?
Yes, "not unhappy" is Litotes, suggesting the person is happy or content.
Can Understatement be used in serious situations?
Yes, but it's often employed to downplay the severity or significance, so context is crucial.
Why might a writer use Understatement?
A writer might use Understatement for emphasis, irony, humor, or to convey a character's attitude or perspective.
Which is broader in terms of usage, Litotes or Understatement?
Understatement is broader and can encompass various methods of downplaying, including Litotes.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
