Litotes - GCSE English Language Definition
Reviewed by: Nick Redgrove
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In GCSE English, litotes is a rhetorical device and a type of understatement where a positive idea is expressed by denying the opposite. It is often used to add emphasis or create a subtle, sometimes ironic, effect. For example, saying "not bad" to mean "good" or "not unfamiliar" to suggest something is actually familiar are both examples of litotes. This technique is common in literature and everyday speech, and it can make language sound more thoughtful or modest. Recognising litotes in GCSE English texts can help you explore how writers use understatement to add depth, tone, or hidden meaning in their writing.
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