(n) understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary), Syn.meiosis, Example: saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53
‖n. [ NL., fr. Gr. lito`ths, from lito`s plain, simple. ] (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”. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]
capital | active capital | dormant capital; unemployed capital | dead stock | intellectual capital | operating capital | non-operating capital | capital and labour [Add to Longdo]
แสดงได้ทั้งความหมายของคำเดี่ยว และคำผสม ได้อย่างถูกต้อง
เช่น Secretary of State=รัฐมนตรีต่างประเทศของสหรัฐฯ (ในภาพตัวอย่าง),
High school=โรงเรียนมัธยมปลาย