Please post your examples of litotes and antithesis (with accompanying context and analysis as per the assignment ) as comments on this post. Due date is by the start of class on Wednesday, September 11. You are welcome to post late for partial credit.
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Litotes
Example #1: Starbucks is not the most best place for coffee.
Analysis: This is an example of litotes because saying that Starbucks is not the best was unexpected and the sentence dragged on.
Example #2: Forever 21 didn’t have that many good clothes, which explains why they went bankrupt.
Analysis: This is a good example because the beginning of the sentence weakened the claim.
Antithesis:
Example #1: Many of the kids were called, but only a few were chosen.
Analysis: Both were being introduced together for a contrasting effect.
Example #2: I’m presenting my ideas by joining them together. It contains a lot of morality and happiness.
I meant to say*
Example #2: ” I speak from a lot of knowledge, but also experience”
Analysis: I’m presenting my ideas by joining them together. It contains a lot of morality and happiness.Reference
Litotes:
Example 1- She’s pretty but she is not a beauty queen
Analysis: This is implying that someone is not ugly but they’re not that pretty either
Example 2- The food wasn’t too bad
Analysis: This is implying that the food wasn’t good but it was edible
Antithesis:
Example 1- Speech is silver, but silence is gold
Analysis: Silence can be more valuable than speech. Sometimes it is better to stay quiet rather than say anything at all
Example 2- Let’s agree to disagree
Analysis: You will never agree with everyone all the time. You may have to come to a conclusion with the opposing opinion that you will always disagree on a certain idea, topic, etc.
Litotes #1- They do not seem like the happiest couple around.
Analysis: This implies and would be used to describe someones relationship as toxic or not happy. Subtly saying, unhealthy.
Litotes #2- He is not the cleverest person I have met.
Analysis- In this litotes it was used to claim in a polite manner that, he, is not the smartest.
Antithesis #1: Speech is silver, but silence is gold.
Analysis: Sometimes saying nothing says more. This would be used that silence is more valuable.
Antithesis #2: You are easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart.
Analysis: These two contrasting parallel structures depict the meaning that one is easy on the eyes but hard on the heart, meaning that you play with someones emotions and give them a hard time with their feelings for you.
litotes #1- That game was not that bad
this sentence in inciting that the game that has happened was bad but not terrible.
litotes #2- Sarah wanted a BMW, but she got a Jeep instead. She wasn’t unhappy about that \
this sentence in saying that Sarah wanted one thing but got something else but she wasn’t mad about it
Antithesis #1- One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
this sentence is describing how a milestone is one step in a path for man and a walkway in the path for mankind.
Antithesis #2- Many are called, but few are chosen.
this sentence is stating the many are called to a certain role but few people are chosen for that same role
Litotes:
litotes #1: I am not starving
analysis: this shows that I’m not starving but I am in fact really hungry
litotes #2: that movie was… not the best
analysis: the pause and emphasis on not shows that the movie wasn’t really good
Antithesis:
antithesis #1: don’t cry because it’s over, smiled because it happened
analysis: this sentence shows how sometimes you need to take experiences as lessons and not think negative about them.
antithesis #2: speech is silver, but silence is gold
analysis: this sentence shows that sometimes listening to something is worth a lot more than speaking upon it
Litotes #1- I am not that bad in math.
Analysis – I used this when my cousins needed help in there math hw and I was there saying that I’m good in math to help them.
Litotes#2- “your science project was not bad”
Analysis- This would be used in school when you had a project to do and it came out decent to be accepted.
Antithesis #1- “Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing”
Analysis- This would be used in couples because when they are in love it can be temporary and broken anytime while marriage is something forever that you commit too.
Antithesis #2- Love them with your mind not with your heart.
Analysis- this can be used with people who like each other because when you love with the heart you become blind with all the actions they do and can get hurt but if you love with your mind then you think about all the situations happening around you towards that person that it wouldn’t affect you as much.
Litotes (1) : She is not that ugly.
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that she is pretty.
Litotes (2): The pizza doesn’t taste bad.
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that the pizza tastes good
–
Antithesis (1): Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit.
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that although it’s had to be patient, the result of patience is a reward.
Antithesis (2): Man proposes, God disposes
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that although we all have plans for our future and think we have our lives under control, God is the one who actually decides what path we actually go on. Successful or not.
Litotes #1) “Thank you for the opportunity, you won’t regret your decision”
Analysis: By using the word “won’t” this shows us that the person is trying to say the person who gave them the opportunity will be satisfied or happy with the decision they made.
Litotes #2) “Not bad, you got some crazy dance moves”
Analysis: Using the words “not bad” actually means that the person is surprised by the persons dance moves.
Antithesis #1) ” Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” quoted by Mohammad Ali
Analysis: These are both contrasting ideas. When it comes to the nature of these animals, they both are very different. But this quote narrows down exactly what it takes to be a good boxer.
Antithesis #2) “Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing” quoted by Goethe.
Analysis: Love is considers to be something that tends to swing many directions, however marriage on the other hand is there for ever and a real thing between couples.
Litotes #1: ” A plate of food would not be unwelcome”
Analysis: I made this up and used the first sentence in the book as inspiration. This would be used when you are at a friend’s house and they offer you food. You accept the request but by wording it different it emphasizes the point.
Litotes #2: “It isn’t that bad of a dress”
Analysis: This was told to me when my friend was helping me shop. She wasn’t saying the dress was ugly/bad but at the same time she wasn’t saying it was the prettiest. It’s in between.
Antithesis #1: ” You are easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart”
Analysis: This is used to describe someone who is good looking, however they are ugly on the inside. To advise someone not to just date based on looks because it goes deeper than that.
Antithesis#2: “Let’s agree to disagree”
Analysis: I have heard this in school. This is used during the end of a debate where both sides acknowledge the difference in opinions and viewpoints, but are content with the differences so no further arguments will be discussed.
Litotes:
Example #1: “It’s not rocket science”
Analysis: at times you can hear people say this to imply that something is at simple as it gets, and you can’t mess it up
Example #2: ” Parties just aren’t my cup of tea”
Analysis: Usually someone who hates parties would say this to get out of going to parties
Antithesis:
Example #1: That’s one small step for a man – one giant leap for mankind.
Analysis: Neil Armstrong said this famous saying on his landing on the moon to show how taking steps is a normal activity for most people. But taking steps on the moon is an achievement for all of mankind
Example #2: “Money is the root of all evil; Poverty is the fruit of all goodness”
Analysis: Money is usually what leads to all the problems happening around us yet if we have no money everything is great since you’re not worrying about anything but what’s around you.
Litotes:
Example 1: “You won’t be sorry.”
Analysis: You in fact wouldn’t regret making the decision, you’ll be glad that you did it.
Example 2: “He’s just not that into you.”
Analysis: He might like you but not as much as you want him to be or not as much as you like him.
Anitithesis:
Example 1: “Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit”
Analysis: Most people don’t have the patience to wait for things but at the end of that wait, something good will most likely be the outcome.
Example 2: Money is the root of all evil, poverty is the fruit of all goodness.”
Analysis: It is said that when people have a lot of money they tend to be very wicked and selfish but people that never had much money are more good to others.
LITOTES:
EXAMPLE 1: “It wasn’t bad food.”
CONTEXT: Mainly used when the food was alright.
ANALYSIS: Although the food wasn’t good, it wasn’t the worst. You’re not stating how bad the food actually was but it was ok.
EXAMPLE 2: “It’s not a Picasso.”
CONTEXT:Usually used when someone is criticizing someone’s art/creation.
ANALYSIS: It’s meant to say how someone’s paining isn’t as good as Picasso’s, but not actually stating that it’s bad.
ANTITHESIS:
EXAMPLE 1: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
CONTEXT: Mainly used as advice as a way to tackle a problem or how to live life.
ANALYSIS: There are two very different animals that contrast each other. A butterfly is very light and peaceful, but a bee’s sting is very hurtful and quick to strike back.
EXAMPLE 2: “Let’s agree to disagree.”
CONTEXT: Usually used when people are arguing and they want to end the argument with a “truce” due to the fact that both sides think that they’re right and the argument is going nowhere.
ANALYSIS: Agree and disagree both contrast each other. Both sides agree that they’re going to keep disagreeing with each other.
Litotes
Example: “Thank you, ma’am, you won’t regret it.”
Context: There’s a new job offering at a company, you walk in nervous, thinking whether or not you get the job. Thankfully the interview was a success and the company hired you.
Analysis: The negation is an understatement, of course – what you really mean is that your boss will be happy with your performance.
Example #2: ‘Wow, that dinner was not too bad! Not too bad at all.’
Context #2: Your friend has called you for dinner tonight, however she isn’t a good cook. She can barely turn on the stove without possibly burning the whole house down. But she’s persuasive on the fact that she’ll cook dinner. You know she isn’t the best cook, yet when you taste it, it’s actually good and you don’t have to spit it out.
Analysis #2: This is an example of litotes. Instead of saying using a positive to describe the dish -that dish was good! – you use a negative – not bad. This use of a negative leads you to understate how impressed you are with your friend for his dish. It might also show that you approve of his dish, but not overwhelmingly so.
Antithesis
Example: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Context: Neil Armstrong used antithesis when he stepped onto the surface of the moon in 1969 and said this quote
Analysis: This is an example of antithesis because the two halves of the sentence mirror each other in grammatical structure, while together the two halves emphasize the incredible contrast between the individual experience of taking an ordinary step, and the extraordinary progress that Armstrong’s step symbolized for the human race.
Example #2: “ Love is an ideal thing, marring a real thing” – Goethe
Context #2: your best friend wishes to find a husband in order to not feel lonely anymore. She wishes to have a lover in her life yet she doesn’t understand the concept of marriage being a life time commitment. Which is why love is ideal but not so much when the reality of compromise and loyalty
Analysis #2: the two opposites ideas are used to help the listener understand how the author feels about the reality of love and marriage.
LITOTES
Ex 1: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Analysis:This example can be used when comparing two people based on how they act.
Ex 2: Large crowds of people are not my cup of tea.
Analysis:This example shows that the person is not used to or comfortable with being in large groups of people.
ANTITHESIS
Ex 1: Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing
Analysis: This example is saying that love is fun and recommend and a very common feeling but that marriage is what ties the knot and is serious feelings.
Ex 2:Life can be kind and cruel, full of hope and heartache.
Analysis: This example explains that life can be nice but then it can be cruel. And that you can be happy and hopeful but there will always be that sadness and heartache.
Litotes#1: “It’s not my first major project..”
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that the person has experience.
Litotes#2: “Your style is not that bad”
Analysis: This sentence is stating that the person’s style is okay/good.
Antithesis#1: “Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing”- Goethe
Analysis: Most people look for love and they have this of idea of what it should but marriage is the real deal meaning its about sacrifices and commitment.
Antithesis#2: “We are caught in a war, wanting peace.”- Richard Nixon
Analysis: I interpreted this as many people can be involved in one situation which causes more conflict meanwhile all they want is peace.
Litotes
Example #1: “not bad”
Analysis: By including the word bad, you’re saying that something is somewhat okay or good.
Example #2: “shes not the friendliest person”
Analysis: adding the negation of the negative quality “friendliest” implies that she is not friendly at all.
Antithesis
Example #1: “Speech is silver, but silence is gold.”
Analysis: This sentence is an Antithesis because it uses speech to represent silver & silence to represent gold which are both opposites but were put in the same sentence to reveal sort of that clash effect.
Example #2: “Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit”
Analysis: Patience is seen as bitter and the opposite of bitter is sweet which is brung up at the end of the sentence catching the readers attention with the similar structure phrases and clauses.
Litotes: ex; “ I cannot NOT shower after work “
Context: If you are insisting that you must take a shower after work but someone is telling you to just shower tomorrow.
Analysis: This is considered an example of Litotes because I’m using two negatives to emphasize that I’m going to take a shower because I can’t go without one.
Antithesis: Ex1; “you working hard or are you hardly working ?”
Ex2; “ You have to spend money to make money!”
Context: Both of my examples are being contrasted to a similar idea with opposite ideas.
Analysis: These are examples of antithesis because you’re saying the same thing just opposite to contrast an effect.
Litotes #1: “your cooking was not bad”.
Analysis #2: By the writer using this literary device he
reinsure the person about there cooking skills.
#2: “the movie was not bad at all”.
Analysis #2: By the writer using this literary device there tone sound like it rebutting review on the movie.
Antithesis #1:We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Analysis #1: By the writer using the literary device he telling the reader if we don’t become one as a people we will destroy are self with are differences.
Antithesis #2 “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” -Muhammad Ali.
Analysis #2: That by the writer using the literary device he make his fighting style sound like a thing of nature
Litotes
1. “The pizza was not that bad”
Analysis: This is an an example of litotes because I could’ve just said that their pizza was good or bad but by saying “not that bad” I leave it unclear emphasizing that the pizza could’ve been good or bad.
2.”Lecture halls aren’t my cup of tea”
Analysis: This is an example of Litotes because by saying “aren’t my cup of tea” I’m emphasizing that I don’t like lecture halls by using a negative. I could’ve duly just said I didn’t like lecture halls.
Antithesis
1.”It’s never too soon, it’s never too late”
Analysis:This is an example of antithesis because it’s comparing time, that it can’t be late or soon so it gives the idea that there’s some things that time can’t impact.
2.”Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit”
Anskysis: This is an example of antithesis because it’s give two opposite ideas because how can something be good and bad to emphasizes that having patience can bring you more than you think.
Litotes Example #1
“Her performance was not that great”
This points out that her performance was bad. It implies that her performance wasn’t good without outright saying it was bad which creates less of a rude statement.
Litotes Example #2
“She’s not skinny”
This states that the girl doesn’t appear to be skinny without rudely saying she is fat or chubby. This could be an intentional use of the term litotes to put emphasis on but avoid saying she is fat.
Antithesis Example #1
“I think about you day and night”
This antithesis can be used to express or show that you think about someone all day. Opposite times of the day are being used to convey that someone is always on their mind.
Antithesis Example #2
“Don’t drop a diamond to pick up a rock”
The two opposites, diamond and rock are used contrastingly used to create one meaning and emphasize that you shouldn’t let something amazing go. You deserve to shine and don’t settle for less.
Litotes #1: She is not the nicest person I’ve met. (meaning, she IS mean)
Context: This kind of sentence is used to describe what someone is, but in a form where we use a negative concept such at “ is not” or “isn’t”
Analysis: In this sentence I’m trying to say that she is mean. The reason why we use litotes and write it using “is not” is because it can get more attention since it clearly begins to state a negative comment in the first words of it’s sentence. It doesn’t change the meaning even if I said “she is mean” which uses “is”.
Litotes #2: Her dog is not as cute as I expected. (meaning the dog IS ugly)
Context: Not just to describe this dog, but sentences like these can be used to describe how someone or something looks. Writing a litotes like this is used by stating what someone use, using “not” following with is opposing meaning which would then be what your really trying to state.
Analysis:This sentence also uses “ is not” which means the dog is the opposite of “cute. It also uses “cute” which is part of litotes because its opposing meaning would be “ugly”.
Antithesis #1: He was a good son, but a bad brother.
Context: Used to describe a positive and a negative such as the opposite of the description word. Here I’m describing a boy in both positive and negative ways.
Analysis: The “good” and the “bad” are opposing statements which is exactly what antithesis is, to contrast. Antithesis in this sentence is used to make a opposing statement by using positive and negative descriptive words with a reason. I used “brother” and “son” which tell me why I’m making the statement of him being good or bad.
Antithesis #2: Many tried out for the team, but very few made it.
Context: In this sentences I’m using a opposing statement which describes what happened and what didn’t. in a situation using sports. This can be used to describe different scenarios such as something different than what happened. using “many tried out” and “few made it’ tells the reader What occurred and what the outcome is which would be contrast because many and few are opposites.
Analysis: In this sentence I used “many” and “few” to show contrast or the different outcome as to what was expected. This is antithesis, putting to opposite words or statements in a sentence.
Litotes #1 : ” You are not as young as you used to be “.
Analysis: This person is trying to say you are old or at least getting old without trying to hurt your feelings.
Litotes #2 : ” The ice cream was not too bad ” .
Analysis: They are trying to say how the ice cream wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad.
Antithesis #1: ” You are easy on the eyes, hard in the heart”.
Analysis: This is indicated how a person is really good looking but they have a cold and cruel heart.
Antithesis #2: ” Money is the root of all evil: poverty is the fruit of all goodness”.
Analysis: This is saying how money makes you not the best person and if you are in poverty you are a better person because you are not cruel as a person with a lot of money.
Litotes:
Example 1: “she wasn’t as nice as she seemed”
Analysis: They are saying that they thought the girl was nice and they were wrong.
Example 2: ” The movie was better than i expected”
Analysis: This is saying that the person who went to watch the movie already had an opinion about how it wasn’t going to be good but they were proven wrong.
Antithesis:
Example 1:”A small set back for a major come back”
Analysis: This example is trying to say that something small kept them from moving on but something big is coming their way.
Example 2: “It was the best of times, It was the worst of times”
Analysis: This would be used to describe a situation where although it was bad, there were good moments that didn’t make it terrible.
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Litotes
Example #1: Starbucks is not the most best place for coffee.
Analysis: This is an example of litotes because saying that Starbucks is not the best was unexpected and the sentence dragged on.
Example #2: Forever 21 didn’t have that many good clothes, which explains why they went bankrupt.
Analysis: This is a good example because the beginning of the sentence weakened the claim.
Antithesis:
Example #1: Many of the kids were called, but only a few were chosen.
Analysis: Both were being introduced together for a contrasting effect.
Example #2: I’m presenting my ideas by joining them together. It contains a lot of morality and happiness.
I meant to say*
Example #2: ” I speak from a lot of knowledge, but also experience”
Analysis: I’m presenting my ideas by joining them together. It contains a lot of morality and happiness.Reference
Litotes:
Example 1- She’s pretty but she is not a beauty queen
Analysis: This is implying that someone is not ugly but they’re not that pretty either
Example 2- The food wasn’t too bad
Analysis: This is implying that the food wasn’t good but it was edible
Antithesis:
Example 1- Speech is silver, but silence is gold
Analysis: Silence can be more valuable than speech. Sometimes it is better to stay quiet rather than say anything at all
Example 2- Let’s agree to disagree
Analysis: You will never agree with everyone all the time. You may have to come to a conclusion with the opposing opinion that you will always disagree on a certain idea, topic, etc.
Litotes #1- They do not seem like the happiest couple around.
Analysis: This implies and would be used to describe someones relationship as toxic or not happy. Subtly saying, unhealthy.
Litotes #2- He is not the cleverest person I have met.
Analysis- In this litotes it was used to claim in a polite manner that, he, is not the smartest.
Antithesis #1: Speech is silver, but silence is gold.
Analysis: Sometimes saying nothing says more. This would be used that silence is more valuable.
Antithesis #2: You are easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart.
Analysis: These two contrasting parallel structures depict the meaning that one is easy on the eyes but hard on the heart, meaning that you play with someones emotions and give them a hard time with their feelings for you.
litotes #1- That game was not that bad
this sentence in inciting that the game that has happened was bad but not terrible.
litotes #2- Sarah wanted a BMW, but she got a Jeep instead. She wasn’t unhappy about that \
this sentence in saying that Sarah wanted one thing but got something else but she wasn’t mad about it
Antithesis #1- One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
this sentence is describing how a milestone is one step in a path for man and a walkway in the path for mankind.
Antithesis #2- Many are called, but few are chosen.
this sentence is stating the many are called to a certain role but few people are chosen for that same role
Litotes:
litotes #1: I am not starving
analysis: this shows that I’m not starving but I am in fact really hungry
litotes #2: that movie was… not the best
analysis: the pause and emphasis on not shows that the movie wasn’t really good
Antithesis:
antithesis #1: don’t cry because it’s over, smiled because it happened
analysis: this sentence shows how sometimes you need to take experiences as lessons and not think negative about them.
antithesis #2: speech is silver, but silence is gold
analysis: this sentence shows that sometimes listening to something is worth a lot more than speaking upon it
Litotes #1- I am not that bad in math.
Analysis – I used this when my cousins needed help in there math hw and I was there saying that I’m good in math to help them.
Litotes#2- “your science project was not bad”
Analysis- This would be used in school when you had a project to do and it came out decent to be accepted.
Antithesis #1- “Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing”
Analysis- This would be used in couples because when they are in love it can be temporary and broken anytime while marriage is something forever that you commit too.
Antithesis #2- Love them with your mind not with your heart.
Analysis- this can be used with people who like each other because when you love with the heart you become blind with all the actions they do and can get hurt but if you love with your mind then you think about all the situations happening around you towards that person that it wouldn’t affect you as much.
Litotes (1) : She is not that ugly.
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that she is pretty.
Litotes (2): The pizza doesn’t taste bad.
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that the pizza tastes good
–
Antithesis (1): Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit.
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that although it’s had to be patient, the result of patience is a reward.
Antithesis (2): Man proposes, God disposes
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that although we all have plans for our future and think we have our lives under control, God is the one who actually decides what path we actually go on. Successful or not.
Litotes #1) “Thank you for the opportunity, you won’t regret your decision”
Analysis: By using the word “won’t” this shows us that the person is trying to say the person who gave them the opportunity will be satisfied or happy with the decision they made.
Litotes #2) “Not bad, you got some crazy dance moves”
Analysis: Using the words “not bad” actually means that the person is surprised by the persons dance moves.
Antithesis #1) ” Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” quoted by Mohammad Ali
Analysis: These are both contrasting ideas. When it comes to the nature of these animals, they both are very different. But this quote narrows down exactly what it takes to be a good boxer.
Antithesis #2) “Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing” quoted by Goethe.
Analysis: Love is considers to be something that tends to swing many directions, however marriage on the other hand is there for ever and a real thing between couples.
Litotes #1: ” A plate of food would not be unwelcome”
Analysis: I made this up and used the first sentence in the book as inspiration. This would be used when you are at a friend’s house and they offer you food. You accept the request but by wording it different it emphasizes the point.
Litotes #2: “It isn’t that bad of a dress”
Analysis: This was told to me when my friend was helping me shop. She wasn’t saying the dress was ugly/bad but at the same time she wasn’t saying it was the prettiest. It’s in between.
Antithesis #1: ” You are easy on the eyes, but hard on the heart”
Analysis: This is used to describe someone who is good looking, however they are ugly on the inside. To advise someone not to just date based on looks because it goes deeper than that.
Antithesis#2: “Let’s agree to disagree”
Analysis: I have heard this in school. This is used during the end of a debate where both sides acknowledge the difference in opinions and viewpoints, but are content with the differences so no further arguments will be discussed.
Litotes:
Example #1: “It’s not rocket science”
Analysis: at times you can hear people say this to imply that something is at simple as it gets, and you can’t mess it up
Example #2: ” Parties just aren’t my cup of tea”
Analysis: Usually someone who hates parties would say this to get out of going to parties
Antithesis:
Example #1: That’s one small step for a man – one giant leap for mankind.
Analysis: Neil Armstrong said this famous saying on his landing on the moon to show how taking steps is a normal activity for most people. But taking steps on the moon is an achievement for all of mankind
Example #2: “Money is the root of all evil; Poverty is the fruit of all goodness”
Analysis: Money is usually what leads to all the problems happening around us yet if we have no money everything is great since you’re not worrying about anything but what’s around you.
Litotes:
Example 1: “You won’t be sorry.”
Analysis: You in fact wouldn’t regret making the decision, you’ll be glad that you did it.
Example 2: “He’s just not that into you.”
Analysis: He might like you but not as much as you want him to be or not as much as you like him.
Anitithesis:
Example 1: “Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit”
Analysis: Most people don’t have the patience to wait for things but at the end of that wait, something good will most likely be the outcome.
Example 2: Money is the root of all evil, poverty is the fruit of all goodness.”
Analysis: It is said that when people have a lot of money they tend to be very wicked and selfish but people that never had much money are more good to others.
LITOTES:
EXAMPLE 1: “It wasn’t bad food.”
CONTEXT: Mainly used when the food was alright.
ANALYSIS: Although the food wasn’t good, it wasn’t the worst. You’re not stating how bad the food actually was but it was ok.
EXAMPLE 2: “It’s not a Picasso.”
CONTEXT:Usually used when someone is criticizing someone’s art/creation.
ANALYSIS: It’s meant to say how someone’s paining isn’t as good as Picasso’s, but not actually stating that it’s bad.
ANTITHESIS:
EXAMPLE 1: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
CONTEXT: Mainly used as advice as a way to tackle a problem or how to live life.
ANALYSIS: There are two very different animals that contrast each other. A butterfly is very light and peaceful, but a bee’s sting is very hurtful and quick to strike back.
EXAMPLE 2: “Let’s agree to disagree.”
CONTEXT: Usually used when people are arguing and they want to end the argument with a “truce” due to the fact that both sides think that they’re right and the argument is going nowhere.
ANALYSIS: Agree and disagree both contrast each other. Both sides agree that they’re going to keep disagreeing with each other.
Litotes
Example: “Thank you, ma’am, you won’t regret it.”
Context: There’s a new job offering at a company, you walk in nervous, thinking whether or not you get the job. Thankfully the interview was a success and the company hired you.
Analysis: The negation is an understatement, of course – what you really mean is that your boss will be happy with your performance.
Example #2: ‘Wow, that dinner was not too bad! Not too bad at all.’
Context #2: Your friend has called you for dinner tonight, however she isn’t a good cook. She can barely turn on the stove without possibly burning the whole house down. But she’s persuasive on the fact that she’ll cook dinner. You know she isn’t the best cook, yet when you taste it, it’s actually good and you don’t have to spit it out.
Analysis #2: This is an example of litotes. Instead of saying using a positive to describe the dish -that dish was good! – you use a negative – not bad. This use of a negative leads you to understate how impressed you are with your friend for his dish. It might also show that you approve of his dish, but not overwhelmingly so.
Antithesis
Example: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Context: Neil Armstrong used antithesis when he stepped onto the surface of the moon in 1969 and said this quote
Analysis: This is an example of antithesis because the two halves of the sentence mirror each other in grammatical structure, while together the two halves emphasize the incredible contrast between the individual experience of taking an ordinary step, and the extraordinary progress that Armstrong’s step symbolized for the human race.
Example #2: “ Love is an ideal thing, marring a real thing” – Goethe
Context #2: your best friend wishes to find a husband in order to not feel lonely anymore. She wishes to have a lover in her life yet she doesn’t understand the concept of marriage being a life time commitment. Which is why love is ideal but not so much when the reality of compromise and loyalty
Analysis #2: the two opposites ideas are used to help the listener understand how the author feels about the reality of love and marriage.
LITOTES
Ex 1: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Analysis:This example can be used when comparing two people based on how they act.
Ex 2: Large crowds of people are not my cup of tea.
Analysis:This example shows that the person is not used to or comfortable with being in large groups of people.
ANTITHESIS
Ex 1: Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing
Analysis: This example is saying that love is fun and recommend and a very common feeling but that marriage is what ties the knot and is serious feelings.
Ex 2:Life can be kind and cruel, full of hope and heartache.
Analysis: This example explains that life can be nice but then it can be cruel. And that you can be happy and hopeful but there will always be that sadness and heartache.
Litotes#1: “It’s not my first major project..”
Analysis: This sentence is claiming that the person has experience.
Litotes#2: “Your style is not that bad”
Analysis: This sentence is stating that the person’s style is okay/good.
Antithesis#1: “Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing”- Goethe
Analysis: Most people look for love and they have this of idea of what it should but marriage is the real deal meaning its about sacrifices and commitment.
Antithesis#2: “We are caught in a war, wanting peace.”- Richard Nixon
Analysis: I interpreted this as many people can be involved in one situation which causes more conflict meanwhile all they want is peace.
Litotes
Example #1: “not bad”
Analysis: By including the word bad, you’re saying that something is somewhat okay or good.
Example #2: “shes not the friendliest person”
Analysis: adding the negation of the negative quality “friendliest” implies that she is not friendly at all.
Antithesis
Example #1: “Speech is silver, but silence is gold.”
Analysis: This sentence is an Antithesis because it uses speech to represent silver & silence to represent gold which are both opposites but were put in the same sentence to reveal sort of that clash effect.
Example #2: “Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit”
Analysis: Patience is seen as bitter and the opposite of bitter is sweet which is brung up at the end of the sentence catching the readers attention with the similar structure phrases and clauses.
Litotes: ex; “ I cannot NOT shower after work “
Context: If you are insisting that you must take a shower after work but someone is telling you to just shower tomorrow.
Analysis: This is considered an example of Litotes because I’m using two negatives to emphasize that I’m going to take a shower because I can’t go without one.
Antithesis: Ex1; “you working hard or are you hardly working ?”
Ex2; “ You have to spend money to make money!”
Context: Both of my examples are being contrasted to a similar idea with opposite ideas.
Analysis: These are examples of antithesis because you’re saying the same thing just opposite to contrast an effect.
Litotes #1: “your cooking was not bad”.
Analysis #2: By the writer using this literary device he
reinsure the person about there cooking skills.
#2: “the movie was not bad at all”.
Analysis #2: By the writer using this literary device there tone sound like it rebutting review on the movie.
Antithesis #1:We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Analysis #1: By the writer using the literary device he telling the reader if we don’t become one as a people we will destroy are self with are differences.
Antithesis #2 “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” -Muhammad Ali.
Analysis #2: That by the writer using the literary device he make his fighting style sound like a thing of nature
Litotes
1. “The pizza was not that bad”
Analysis: This is an an example of litotes because I could’ve just said that their pizza was good or bad but by saying “not that bad” I leave it unclear emphasizing that the pizza could’ve been good or bad.
2.”Lecture halls aren’t my cup of tea”
Analysis: This is an example of Litotes because by saying “aren’t my cup of tea” I’m emphasizing that I don’t like lecture halls by using a negative. I could’ve duly just said I didn’t like lecture halls.
Antithesis
1.”It’s never too soon, it’s never too late”
Analysis:This is an example of antithesis because it’s comparing time, that it can’t be late or soon so it gives the idea that there’s some things that time can’t impact.
2.”Patience is bitter, but it has a sweet fruit”
Anskysis: This is an example of antithesis because it’s give two opposite ideas because how can something be good and bad to emphasizes that having patience can bring you more than you think.
Litotes Example #1
“Her performance was not that great”
This points out that her performance was bad. It implies that her performance wasn’t good without outright saying it was bad which creates less of a rude statement.
Litotes Example #2
“She’s not skinny”
This states that the girl doesn’t appear to be skinny without rudely saying she is fat or chubby. This could be an intentional use of the term litotes to put emphasis on but avoid saying she is fat.
Antithesis Example #1
“I think about you day and night”
This antithesis can be used to express or show that you think about someone all day. Opposite times of the day are being used to convey that someone is always on their mind.
Antithesis Example #2
“Don’t drop a diamond to pick up a rock”
The two opposites, diamond and rock are used contrastingly used to create one meaning and emphasize that you shouldn’t let something amazing go. You deserve to shine and don’t settle for less.
Litotes #1: She is not the nicest person I’ve met. (meaning, she IS mean)
Context: This kind of sentence is used to describe what someone is, but in a form where we use a negative concept such at “ is not” or “isn’t”
Analysis: In this sentence I’m trying to say that she is mean. The reason why we use litotes and write it using “is not” is because it can get more attention since it clearly begins to state a negative comment in the first words of it’s sentence. It doesn’t change the meaning even if I said “she is mean” which uses “is”.
Litotes #2: Her dog is not as cute as I expected. (meaning the dog IS ugly)
Context: Not just to describe this dog, but sentences like these can be used to describe how someone or something looks. Writing a litotes like this is used by stating what someone use, using “not” following with is opposing meaning which would then be what your really trying to state.
Analysis:This sentence also uses “ is not” which means the dog is the opposite of “cute. It also uses “cute” which is part of litotes because its opposing meaning would be “ugly”.
Antithesis #1: He was a good son, but a bad brother.
Context: Used to describe a positive and a negative such as the opposite of the description word. Here I’m describing a boy in both positive and negative ways.
Analysis: The “good” and the “bad” are opposing statements which is exactly what antithesis is, to contrast. Antithesis in this sentence is used to make a opposing statement by using positive and negative descriptive words with a reason. I used “brother” and “son” which tell me why I’m making the statement of him being good or bad.
Antithesis #2: Many tried out for the team, but very few made it.
Context: In this sentences I’m using a opposing statement which describes what happened and what didn’t. in a situation using sports. This can be used to describe different scenarios such as something different than what happened. using “many tried out” and “few made it’ tells the reader What occurred and what the outcome is which would be contrast because many and few are opposites.
Analysis: In this sentence I used “many” and “few” to show contrast or the different outcome as to what was expected. This is antithesis, putting to opposite words or statements in a sentence.
Litotes #1 : ” You are not as young as you used to be “.
Analysis: This person is trying to say you are old or at least getting old without trying to hurt your feelings.
Litotes #2 : ” The ice cream was not too bad ” .
Analysis: They are trying to say how the ice cream wasn’t great but it wasn’t bad.
Antithesis #1: ” You are easy on the eyes, hard in the heart”.
Analysis: This is indicated how a person is really good looking but they have a cold and cruel heart.
Antithesis #2: ” Money is the root of all evil: poverty is the fruit of all goodness”.
Analysis: This is saying how money makes you not the best person and if you are in poverty you are a better person because you are not cruel as a person with a lot of money.
Litotes:
Example 1: “she wasn’t as nice as she seemed”
Analysis: They are saying that they thought the girl was nice and they were wrong.
Example 2: ” The movie was better than i expected”
Analysis: This is saying that the person who went to watch the movie already had an opinion about how it wasn’t going to be good but they were proven wrong.
Antithesis:
Example 1:”A small set back for a major come back”
Analysis: This example is trying to say that something small kept them from moving on but something big is coming their way.
Example 2: “It was the best of times, It was the worst of times”
Analysis: This would be used to describe a situation where although it was bad, there were good moments that didn’t make it terrible.