Found 2 items, similar to Litotes.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: litotes 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]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Litotes Litotes \Li"to*tes\ (l[imac]"t[-o]*t[=e]z), 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]