hypobole

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A rhetorical figure in which several things are mentioned that seem to make claims against the argument, or in favor of the opposing side, but are then refuted one by one.
  2. A deliberate, intentional understatement.

Word forms

hypobole hypoboles

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ὑποβολή (hupobolḗ, “a throwing under, a suggesting”), from βάλλω (bállō, “to throw”).

Antonyms

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