A figure of speech when a negative statement is used to affirm a positive one

Short answer: that's called litotes. It's a neat little rhetorical move where you deny the opposite of what you mean to make a pointand often to soften, emphasize, or add a modest twist to your statement.

What litotes is (in plain language)

With litotes you say something negative to express a positive. Instead of saying "That's good," you might say "That's not bad." Instead of "She's attractive," you might say "She's not unattractive." The literal wording uses a negative, but the meaning is positivesometimes subtly, sometimes strongly.

Why people use litotes

• To be polite or modest: "I won't say it's perfect" can feel gentler than declaring perfection.
• For emphasis: a mild phrasing can make the praise feel more measured and therefore more credible.
• To add irony or humor: a reserved compliment can be tongue-in-cheek.
• To be indirect: useful in sensitive conversations or persuasive writing.

Common examples

"Not bad" = pretty good
"He's no fool" = he's smart
"I won't deny it" = I admit it
"It is no small achievement" = it's a big achievement

Litotes versus similar ideas

• Understatement: Litotes is a kind of understatement, but understatement can also be achieved other ways. Litotes specifically denies the opposite.
• Double negative: A double negative in informal speech often cancels out and becomes positive ("I don't know nothing"), but litotes is a deliberate, stylistic negative used to affirm.
• Irony or sarcasm: Those can overlap with litotes, but irony often intends the opposite meaning; litotes usually affirms in a restrained way.

Tips for using litotes well

• Use it sparinglytoo much can sound evasive or vague.
• Be mindful of tone: "not bad" can be warm or lukewarm depending on context.
• Check cultural nuance: some audiences prefer direct praise, others appreciate subtlety.
• Use it deliberately when you want to soften or underscore a point without overstating it.

Quick takeaway

When a negative statement is used to affirm a positive one, you're using litotes. It's a versatile rhetorical devicepolite, emphatic, or ironically playful depending on how you wield it.