litotes

Noun
  1. Understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary) (synset 107118958)
    "saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes"
    is a type of:
    • understatement - a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said
    • rhetorical device - a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)
    same as: meiosis

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