Litotes in Literature

  • 11th Grade,
  • 12th 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 6, 2026
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Question 1 / 14
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1. “He was not unfamiliar with danger.” means:

Explanation

Denying unfamiliarity suggests experience with danger.

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About This Quiz
Litotes In Literature - Quiz

Writers have used litotes for centuries to add depth and nuance to their work. In this quiz, you’ll examine how litotes appears in literature, formal writing, and famous quotations. You’ll analyze how understatement can make ideas sound more thoughtful, complex, or ironic, especially in serious or reflective texts. By the... see moreend, you’ll see how litotes helps authors express meaning without overstating emotion.
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2. “It’s no small step for mankind” is litotes because:

Explanation

The phrase downplays importance to emphasize greatness.

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3. Litotes often appear in formal speeches and classic literature.

Explanation

Litotes are common in formal and literary contexts.

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4. “The test results were not unimpressive.” implies:

Explanation

Using a double negative suggests a positive result.

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5. “The villain’s actions were not entirely unjustified.” creates what tone?

Explanation

Litotes allow nuanced or morally complex interpretation.

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6. “He’s not uneducated” means:

Explanation

Denying lack of education suggests knowledge.

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7. “It’s not the end of the world.” shows litotes because:

Explanation

This phrase minimizes seriousness to reduce worry.

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8. “No mean feat” means:

Explanation

The phrase uses understatement to praise achievement.

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9. Litotes often rely on double negatives for effect.

Explanation

Double negatives are a key feature of litotes.

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10. “The hero was not without fear.” means:

Explanation

Denying fearlessness implies normal human fear.

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11. “Her kindness was not unnoticed.” implies:

Explanation

This litotes suggests recognition and appreciation.

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12. “It’s not impossible.” means:

Explanation

The phrase suggests possibility through understatement.

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13. In literature, authors use litotes to:

Explanation

Litotes allow subtle, ironic emphasis.

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“He was not unfamiliar with danger.” means:
“It’s no small step for mankind” is litotes because:
Litotes often appear in formal speeches and classic literature.
“The test results were not unimpressive.” implies:
“The villain’s actions were not entirely unjustified.” creates...
“He’s not uneducated” means:
“It’s not the end of the world.” shows litotes because:
“No mean feat” means:
Litotes often rely on double negatives for effect.
“The hero was not without fear.” means:
“Her kindness was not unnoticed.” implies:
“It’s not impossible.” means:
In literature, authors use litotes to:
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