Figures of Speech

Litotes

Use double negatives to create understated affirmation.

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What & why

What it is
A figure of speech that affirms something by denying its opposite, a form of deliberate understatement ('not bad', 'no small feat'). The double negative softens the claim while often strengthening it, since the listener infers the positive meaning and frequently overshoots the literal words. It conveys restraint and dry confidence, which is why it suits diplomatic, modest, or ironic contexts where a blunt assertion would feel overstated.
Why it works

Understatement makes the listener supply the full meaning, and a conclusion you reach yourself tends to feel more credible than one handed to you. Negating the opposite also reads as restraint, which signals composure and confidence rather than hard selling. Because the speaker seems to be holding back, the claim can land as larger than the modest words admit, and that gap between what is said and what is meant is what gives the line its weight.

Before & after

Before

“The product is very good.”

After

“The product is not without its merits. Our results were not insignificant.”

When you’ll use it

Diplomatic performance feedback: 'Your presentation was not without impact' instead of 'great presentation'

Conservative financial projections: 'The results are not insignificant' when reporting strong growth

Professional disagreement: 'That approach is not without challenges' when diplomatically opposing an idea

Pro tip

Use 'not un-' constructions to sound more measured and sophisticated.

Questions & answers

What is litotes in speaking?

Litotes expresses positive meaning through negative constructions, often for modest emphasis or understatement. Saying 'not bad' to mean 'good' or 'no small feat' to emphasize significance are common examples.

When should I use litotes in professional communication?

Use litotes to express modesty about achievements, acknowledge challenges diplomatically, or create understated emphasis. It's particularly effective in cultures valuing humility and can make strong statements without seeming boastful.

How is litotes different from simple understatement?

Litotes specifically uses negative constructions to affirm positives ('not insignificant' = important), while understatement just minimizes ('pretty good' for 'excellent'). Litotes has a distinct grammatical structure creating subtle emphasis.

Learn more

Silva Rhetoricae (BYU) - Litotes
Silva Rhetoricae (BYU) - Figures of Overstatement / Understatement
Wikipedia - Litotes

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