What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
litotes
Example
She's not the brightest bulb in the box. [litotes: negation]
Example
I'm not unhappy with the results. [litotes: understatement]
euphemism
Example
He passed away last night. [euphemism: death]
Example
She's between jobs at the moment. [euphemism: unemployment]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Euphemism is more commonly used in everyday language than litotes. While litotes is often used in literature or formal writing, euphemism is widely used in everyday conversation to avoid offending or upsetting someone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between litotes and euphemism?
Litotes is typically associated with formal writing or literature, while euphemism is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
