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Dr Ray
Cross-class Exercise

Literal versus Figurative (litotes)


Litotes

A special kind of figurative speech is a Litotes.

One type of litotes is the use of a double negative to mean something positive.

For example:  "I'm not unhappy."

This means that I'm happy, but not super happy,
     and I'm certainly not disappointed, nor upset, nor sad.

Below are some paired sentences that have similar meaning.
Identify the one that is figurative (litotes) and the one that is literal.

1 She's not a bad cook.
2 She is a decent cook.
1 The party wasn't unenjoyable.
2 The party was somewhat enjoyable.
1 The weather is tolerable.
2 The weather isn't unbearable.
1 The movie was somewhat interesting.
2 The movie wasn't uninteresting.
1 Her singing isn't unpleasant.
2 Her singing is somewhat pleasant.
1 The hike was somewhat challenging.
2 The hike wasn't unchallenging.
1 The book isn't unremarkable.
2 The book is somewhat remarkable.
1 His performance demonstrated a good amount of skill.
2 His performance was not lacking in skill.
1 His idea isn't unreasonable.
2 His idea is somewhat reasonable.
1 The test was somewhat demanding.
2 The test wasn't undemanding.
1 The journey wasn't uneventful.
2 The journey was somewhat eventful.
1 The task isn't insignificant.
2 The task is somewhat significant.
1 Their performance was somewhat impressive.
2 Their performance wasn't unimpressive.
1 The meal was somewhat satisfying.
2 The meal wasn't unsatisfying.
1 The book is readable.
2 The book isn't unreadable.
1 His reaction wasn't unenthusiastic.
2 His reaction was somewhat enthusiastic.
1 The artwork isn't unimpressive.
2 The artwork is somewhat impressive.
1 It's a noteworthy achievement.
2 It's not an insignificant achievement.
1 The party wasn't uneventful.
2 The party was somewhat eventful.
1 Her performance was somewhat satisfactory.
2 Her performance wasn't unsatisfactory.
1 The result isn't insignificant.
2 The result is somewhat significant.
1 The movie is bearable.
2 The movie wasn't unbearable.
1 His intelligence isn't negligible.
2 His intelligence is somewhat noticeable.
1 The journey wasn't unmemorable.
2 The journey was somewhat memorable.
1 The speech was somewhat convincing.
2 The speech wasn't unconvincing.

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