Definition and Some Examples of Majas Litotes in Sentences

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Litotes figure of speech is a figure of speech that expresses a word humbly and gently. The use of this figure of speech is aimed at reducing or downplaying the actual reality with the aim of humiliating oneself. Examples of the use of this litotes figure of speech can be seen in the following sentences.

Please stop by my hut.

The speaker in the sentence actually does not say that his house is a hut, but that speech is only a form of politeness to humble himself. Maybe the house is big and luxurious, like a palace. The elements being compared here are the house and the hut .

The component of the equivalent meaning is “a place for humans to live”, while the component of the differentiating meaning is for the house: there is a possibility that the house is “big or small”, because house is a generic noun. The component of differentiating meaning for the hut is “always small and bad”. The sentences here do not have any deviation in meaning (both are human dwellings, the central meaning does not change), and the wording is also collocated. So, this differentiates it from metaphor.

Definition of Majas Litotes

In Indonesian, there are various language styles or figures of speech. One of the existing figure of speech is litotes. Based on the explanation in the book entitled Figures of Words, Idioms, and Proverbs, figure of speech functions so that a sentence or expression can liven up the atmosphere, increase the effect of taste, or create a certain connotation.

In addition, figure of speech is also understood as a style of language that can be in the form of figures of speech, similes, and parables that aim to beautify the meaning and message of a sentence. There are four types of figurative language groups, namely comparative, contradictory, affirmative, and satire.

The litotes figure of speech itself is included in the group of comparative figure of speech. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), litotes or li.to.tes /litotès/ (n) is a statement that minimizes something or weakens and states the opposite, for example to say smart , use the expression not stupid .

Litotes figure of speech is a style of language that downplays reality with the intention of being condescending. This figurative language is similar but not the same as the innuendo figure of speech which minimizes reality with satirical intent. According to Keraf (2010: 132) Figure of speech lilotes is a style of speech that is used to express something with the aim of demeaning oneself. That is, this style of language will use expressions to demean something that is actually higher.

Similar but more detailed than Keraf, Pamungkas (2012: 136) reveals that litotes is a figurative language used to state something smaller than reality than it actually is with the intention of demeaning. This style of self-deprecation is done by minimizing a reality that is actually bigger.

Damayanti (2013: 51) then states that litotes figure of speech is a figurative language in the form of a statement that minimizes the actual reality. In relation to litotes, this reduction of reality is done to humble oneself, in contrast to the figure of speech innuendo which reduces reality with the aim of being satirical. Meanwhile, Tarigan (2009: 58) says that litotes is a type of figurative language that stumbles on statements that are deducted from actual reality, for example self-deprecation.

Based on the various opinions above, it can be concluded that litotes figure of speech is a figurative language that minimizes a fact with the intention of being modest.

Features of Litotes Figure of Speech

The following are some of the characteristics of the litotes figure of speech, including:

  • Litotes figure of speech usually uses a figure of speech that has a choice of words and equates one thing with another.
  • This figure of speech usually also uses abstract words to describe the intent and purpose of the contents of the story and poetry.
  • The sentence in this figure of speech intends to convey an intention to humble oneself with words that are arranged subtly in order to maintain politeness.

Litotes Majestic Functions

The following are several functions of the litotes figure of speech, including:

  • Produces imaginative fun effects in the description.
  • Produces the addition of imagination, so that something that looks abstract will become more concrete to be enjoyed.
  • Adding the intensity of feelings from the author in conveying meaning and attitude to each reader.
  • This work is used to explain the intent to be conveyed by using language that is easier to understand.

Sentence Examples and Explanations

Here are some examples of litotes figure of speech along with an explanation of each sentence and how to use it.

Example 1

Don’t hesitate to stop by our hut again.

The hut in the sentence above is not a real hut, but a lowering of the house and can be quite a large or luxurious house.

Example 2

Let me just pay for it, the value is insignificant when compared to your services.

Lotote in this sentence uses the comparison of “service” or someone’s sincere help as something far more valuable than the economic value of money.

Example 3

Sorry we can’t serve anything, there are only a few snacks and drinks typical of our village .

Of course, just having snacks and drinks disproves the statement “can’t serve anything”. However, the meaning of this expression is humble to ensure guests that the receptionist cares and is very welcoming.

Example 4

I hope you are pleased with this small help entrusted by the Almighty.

No matter how small, assistance is still something that is not easy to give, you could say that there is no small help. Even though it is God’s power that gives his servant sustenance, the person who gives is the one who makes the effort or endeavor.

Example 5

Mark Zuckerberg said that Facebook is a simple site whose number of users is still far behind that of its competitors.

It’s true that Facebook is a simple site, but developing and maintaining it isn’t that simple. Despite the fact that Facebook is still outnumbered by visitors when compared to Google, Facebook is still in the top three and even number one for this type of social media site.

Example 6

What we are doing is only building bridges so that the next generation of the nation can continue this struggle.

Trying to repair or build something so that it can be continued by the next generation is something that is even more difficult to do. “bridge” is a complex thing that is even more valuable, but seems to be minimized in the sentence above.

Example 7

This title is not mine , but belongs to Indonesia.

Even so, it is the person who achieves the title that succeeds in becoming the champion, he understates his efforts to make the nation’s name proud.

Example 8

My favorite place is God’s House , a place where I can be closer to Him.

No matter how small a place of worship (House of God) will most likely have a size or at least a more complex architecture compared to a house.

Examples of Majas Litotes

Here are some examples of litotes figures of speech, including:

  1. I’m just a new kid who doesn’t know anything here, can’t be compared to the seniors who have eaten a lot of salt in this well-known organization.
  2. Let’s stop by for a moment to just enjoy village dishes !!
  3. Even though my monthly salary is only enough to eat, I am happy doing this profession.
  4. I bought it at one of the city’s shopping center shops, I hope you like this cheap gift from me.
  5. Would you be willing to hear complaints from people who are not well off like me?
  6. I’m just an ordinary person and come from a village, is it appropriate to be side by side with you?
  7. I’m just a poor factory, my income is below average.
  8. Please all colleagues to express your opinion, I’ve been talking all the time, who really am I?
  9. Don’t you call me a successful breeder, I’m just a goat keeper from the village.
  10. If you have time, stop by our hut across the street.
  11. I’m just an intellectual worker who eats salt and white rice every day.
  12. I finished my Masters in America with a dull brain.
  13. Only this old television is our daily entertainment.
  14. What strength am I just an ordinary person who wants to edit the angel world like you.
  15. Please accept my little token of love.
  16. We just live in this big city.
  17. Every day we only eat potluck.
  18. I’m just an ordinary person who doesn’t deserve this award.
  19. This car is the result of our small business.
  20. Maybe you won’t feel at home in my house with just this mat.
  21. My father worked on an ordinary car.
  22. I wear this plastic bag to school.
  23. This shop’s menu is my lunch today.
  24. Like heaven and earth, I don’t deserve to be paired with your perfect one.
  25. My brain won’t be able to digest the material.
  26. This fabric is my pride wherever I go.
  27. These expensive clothes don’t suit me with a big build.
  28. I will be collecting coins to serve my parents next year.
  29. Maybe this sheet of paper can cover your debt.
  30. You’ve probably never met someone as stupid as me.
  31. My first name that may be juxtaposed with famous movie players.
  32. My role is not that important in this project.
  33. I followed step by step towards that dream.
  34. A lowly maid like me wouldn’t be able to travel to a fancy place.
  35. The ugly me can’t stand side by side with the beautiful.
  36. I only have a diploma with a successful career in a well-known company.
  37. A gift from me will not be able to repay your kindness.
  38. No wonder I got this award?
  39. The achievements I have obtained are nothing compared to your many achievements.
  40. You deserved to win that match more than I did.
  41. My weak body cannot compete with your strong one.
  42. He who is handsome won’t be able to stand beside me who has an ordinary face.
  43. If you have time, come to our cabin.
  44. I bought these shoes while on vacation in Yogyakarta.
  45. Even though I am a doctor’s daughter, I am still an ordinary student.
  46. This is a meaningless doodle that I dedicate to you.
  47. I’m an amateur and can’t compete with professionals like that.
  48. I am just a grain of sand in a sand field.
  49. I pin my hopes on my eldest son.
  50. This tiny house may not please you.
  51. These useless aids can lighten your load.
  52. I’m this old that deserves to go back to school.
  53. I’m an ordinary face where there might be someone who wants to propose.
  54. Sit even if you are tired.
  55. My arms are always open for you whenever you want.
  56. I’m glad to be invited to your place.
  57. Please eat this simple dough.
  58. Sorry, we only serve clear vegetables.
  59. My skinny skinny body will never win an athletics match.
  60. A sliver of my hope hangs here.
  61. Even if you win, there are still people who are bigger than me.
  62. Moreover, cars, luxury homes that I can not afford.
  63. Maybe it’s only in my dreams to become a doctor.
  64. I only wish I could come to this place.
  65. Far from what I imagined, I managed to get that prestigious scholarship.
  66. You will find nothing from this lowly me.
  67. There is nothing to be proud of with a disabled person like me.
  68. Take a rest on our sofa.
  69. This light is not too bright for you.
  70. My income is only enough to eat cat rice.
  71. It’s too early for me to join such a big project.
  72. Our iftar meal is just a date.
  73. My outdated look is what the executive deserves to be called.
  74. Drinking sugar water is just a thirst quencher.
  75. This imitation ring was given by my mother.
  76. I live in a narrow area.
  77. My squeaky voice might just be a laughingstock.
  78. This is just a souvenir from the village.
  79. This very simple house is where I live with my family.
  80. I work every day just to make ends meet in the kitchen.
  81. No matter how hard I try I may not be able to pass the test.
  82. This thatched roof is the result of my efforts for this.
  83. This simple crochet was a birthday gift from my mother.
  84. This out of date book got me to university.
  85. My less intelligent brain will not be able to get that golden opportunity.
  86. Our daily dishes are only tofu and tempeh.
  87. Even though the merchant is rich, I am still a country boy.
  88. Even if it’s not delicious, do you want to try this?
  89. My house is just an ordinary wooden house.
  90. I only rely on my limited ability to find food.
  91. My weak body won’t be able to support you.
  92. My side business got me to open a shop in a shopping center.
  93. If you want to attend our little greeting.
  94. I’m just an onion among them.
  95. Through this simple phrase I thank you.
  96. My bad business has the support of my family.
  97. Accept this cheap souvenir.
  98. Stop by even if it’s just a sip of water.
  99. This toy is the result of my family business.
  100. The opaque paper led me to my current position.
  101. A number of hopes became my capital to live abroad.
  102. He won’t be interested in me, who is defeated.
  103. I’m just a cattle farmer who wants to have a successful business.
  104. What I own is just a piece of land.
  105. This little knowledge might solve your problem.
  106. My rough hands might ease your pain a little.
  107. I would not have been able to get through it all without all of your support.
  108. No matter how great I am, it would be meaningless without you guys.
  109. Instead of buying a new one, it’s hard for me to eat.
  110. A villager like me has the right to attend the party.
  111. Only this old body is the link of my life.
  112. Squirt people like me don’t understand how lazy you are to tell me.
  113. I’m just a lowly educated person.
  114. Nothing special from me.
  115. Everything that I have is a gift from God.
  116. An ancient person I don’t deserve to be an ambassador for cleanliness.
  117. He who is that famous will never befriend me who is an ordinary person.
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