Recognizing Litotes in Context

  • 9th Grade,
  • 10th Grade
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| By Thames
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Thames
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Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,567,281
| Questions: 13 | Updated: Jan 5, 2026
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Question 1 / 14
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1. Which line contains litotes?

Explanation

“Wasn’t easy” understates difficulty, which is a common feature of litotes.

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About This Quiz
Recognizing Litotes In Context - Quiz

Think you can spot litotes when it appears in everyday language? In this quiz, you’ll practice recognizing litotes in full sentences and realistic situations. You’ll analyze how understatement works, decide what speakers really mean, and identify when a phrase uses double negatives for effect. As you work through the questions,... see moreyou’ll build confidence interpreting meaning that isn’t stated outright.
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2. “That meal wasn’t the worst I’ve had.” suggests:

Explanation

This litotes downplays praise to suggest the meal was acceptable or good.

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3. Litotes can make praise sound modest or restrained.

Explanation

Litotes often soften praise by expressing it indirectly.

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4. “He’s no stranger to hard work.” means:

Explanation

By denying unfamiliarity, the phrase suggests experience with hard work.

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5. “The performance wasn’t half bad.” means:

Explanation

This litotes understates praise to suggest the performance was good.

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6. Which line does NOT show litotes?

Explanation

This sentence uses a simile, not understatement or negation.

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7. “The news wasn’t great, but it wasn’t the end of the world either.” shows litotes because:

Explanation

The phrase softens the negative impact of the news.

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8. “I can’t say it’s my favorite.” means:

Explanation

This litotes indirectly expresses mild dislike.

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9. Litotes is the opposite of hyperbole.

Explanation

Hyperbole exaggerates, while litotes deliberately understates.

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10. “She’s not entirely wrong” means:

Explanation

The phrase suggests partial agreement through understatement.

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11. “He’s not without talent” means:

Explanation

Denying the absence of talent suggests ability.

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12. “You’re not fooling anyone” means:

Explanation

This phrase indirectly states that deception has failed.

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13. Litotes often adds what tone to writing?

Explanation

Litotes create a restrained, modest tone through understatement.

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Which line contains litotes?
“That meal wasn’t the worst I’ve had.” suggests:
Litotes can make praise sound modest or restrained.
“He’s no stranger to hard work.” means:
“The performance wasn’t half bad.” means:
Which line does NOT show litotes?
“The news wasn’t great, but it wasn’t the end of the world...
“I can’t say it’s my favorite.” means:
Litotes is the opposite of hyperbole.
“She’s not entirely wrong” means:
“He’s not without talent” means:
“You’re not fooling anyone” means:
Litotes often adds what tone to writing?
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