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3 definitions found

From: DICT.TW English-Chinese Dictionary 英漢字典

 li·to·tes /ˈlaɪtəˌtiz, ˈlɪ, laɪˈtoˌtiz/
 間接肯定法,曲言法

From: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

 Li·to·tes n.  Rhet. 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”.
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From: WordNet (r) 2.0

 litotes
      n : 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" [syn: meiosis]