Which figure of speech uses understatement by negating the opposite of what is meant?

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Multiple Choice

Which figure of speech uses understatement by negating the opposite of what is meant?

Explanation:
Litotes is the figure of speech that achieves understatement by negating the opposite of what is meant. It softens a claim by saying something like “not bad” to mean good, or “not unfamiliar with the topic” to suggest familiarity. In this question, that negation of the opposite exactly fits the technique. Hyperbole exaggerates, not underplays. Understatement is the broader idea of downplaying, but litotes is specifically about negating the opposite. Irony often involves saying the opposite for effect, but litotes uses negation of the opposite to create a milder tone.

Litotes is the figure of speech that achieves understatement by negating the opposite of what is meant. It softens a claim by saying something like “not bad” to mean good, or “not unfamiliar with the topic” to suggest familiarity. In this question, that negation of the opposite exactly fits the technique. Hyperbole exaggerates, not underplays. Understatement is the broader idea of downplaying, but litotes is specifically about negating the opposite. Irony often involves saying the opposite for effect, but litotes uses negation of the opposite to create a milder tone.

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