LITOTES
LITOTES
LITOTES is, when we say less than we wish to be understood: and so far, indeed, LITOTES does not seem to differ from that kind of Hyperbole which has the effect of diminishing a thing; but in this, generally, Litotes, and Hyperbole that diminishes, differ, in that the former has the effect of imparting ETHOS, the latter, PATHOS. [See the Titles Ethos and Pathos.] Therefore Litotes, when it seems to diminish, often has the effect of increasing a thing: as, when negative terms are put for their contraries, which are affirmative; for we signify more than we express, as Vossius rightly observes, by the negation of a contrary. It may be also ironical: hence it is that some refer it universally to Irony, but with less accuracy.
LITOTES, , , EXTENUATIO, which are severally referred to everywhere in the Gnomon, scarcely if at all differ from one another. Let us run through examples.
LITOTES is referred to in the Gnomon on Joh 6:37, . , i.e. I will receive and defend in all ways: Act 26:19, , I did not become disobedient, i.e. I was forthwith altogether obedient.-Rom 10:2; 1Jn 3:17; Phm 1:11.- is referred to,-Luk 17:9, : 1Co 9:17, , willing, i.e. gratuitously.- is referred to,-Act 10:47, -Water, for baptism; Act 22:18, : Rom 5:5, , maketh not ashamed, i.e. produces the highest glorying.-EXTENUATIO is referred to,-Heb 9:13, , the bloood of bulls and goats, i.e. sacrifices.