Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

litotic

adjective

lī-ˈtō-tik

Definition

A term that describes a type of understatement, often used for ironic effect.

Examples

“He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed” is a litotic way of saying someone is not very smart.
“I am not unhappy with the results” can be seen as a litotic expression of being quite pleased.

Meaning

Litotic is an adjective used in literature and speech to denote a figure of speech where an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite, conveying a subtle or understated meaning.