litotes

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: li=to=tes

CIDE DICTIONARY

litotes, n. [NL., fr. Gr. lito`ths, from lito`s plain, simple.].

 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]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

litotes, n. ironical understatement, esp. the expressing of an affirmative by the negative of its contrary (e.g. I shan't be sorry for I shall be glad).

Etymology

LL f. Gk litotes f. litos plain, meagre