Some figures work to "amplify" your words--turn up the volume and increase their oomph. Two figures of amplification, surprisingly, seem to work in opposition directions: hyperbole and litotes.
Used properly, these two unlikely siblings can achieve the same purpose of turning up the volume.
See for yourself. Write about something that happened to you recently. First tell it with a hyperbole, then use a litotes. Which ended up making your story sound the most impressive?
Word Hero Chapter Nine
Some figures work to "amplify" your words--turn up the volume and increase their oomph. Two figures of amplification, surprisingly, seem to work in opposition directions: hyperbole and litotes.
Used properly, these two unlikely siblings can achieve the same purpose of turning up the volume.
See for yourself. Write about something that happened to you recently. First tell it with a hyperbole, then use a litotes. Which ended up making your story sound the most impressive?