What is the (grammatical or syntax) term for adjectives you can use them in two ways, with 'not' or without 'not' to say the same thing (more or less). For example: 'not-good' instead of 'bad'. Also 'not-beautiful' instead of 'ugly', and so on.
asked Apr 20, 2020 at 22:22
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2 Answers
I think you mean litotes. "Not bad" is a classic example.
answered Apr 20, 2020 at 22:41
Off hand, I can't think of an adjective that can't be negated with the word "not". I don't think there's a special term for that. However, you can't equate "not beautiful" with "ugly". A thing can be neither beautiful nor ugly. It may be just plain, so you could say "Its not beautiful." without implying that it's ugly.
answered Apr 20, 2020 at 22:38