Set 172 · Study 1 / 5
Exita figure of speech that employs understatement by using double negatives or negative phrasing
Using litotes, the speaker remarked that the event was not uninteresting, subtly implying it was actually quite engaging.
Set 172 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: litotes, casuistry, mansuetude, abatement, hypallage. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
a figure of speech that employs understatement by using double negatives or negative phrasing
Using litotes, the speaker remarked that the event was not uninteresting, subtly implying it was actually quite engaging.
a method of resolving moral issues by applying general ethical principles to specific cases
The lawyer relied on casuistry to interpret the complex legal situation, applying established ethical principles to guide her argument.
gentleness or softness of temperament
Her mansuetude was evident in the way she calmly handled the rowdy children at the daycare.
the reduction or elimination of something, often a nuisance or source of harm
The city implemented a noise abatement policy to decrease disturbances in residential areas.
a figure of speech in which the normal order of words is inverted or the association of terms is changed
In his latest poem, the poet employed hypallage to create a striking image, describing the 'fragrant hours' that suggest a deeper sensory experience rather than simply referring to the time of day.