enantiosis

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In rhetoric, a figure of speech consisting in expression of an idea by negation of its contrary, or by use of a word of opposite meaning. The term antiphrasis was originally used as equivalent to enantiosis in both forms, but is now usually limited to signify enantiosis by use of a word of opposite meaning. Enantiosis by negation of the contrary, as, “he is no fool” for “he is wise,” is generally called litotes. Enantiosis or antiphrasis in such instances as the “Eumenides” (that is, “the gracious ones”) for the “Erinyes” (Furies), or the “Good People” for the fairies, passes into euphemism. See irony.

Wiktionary

1. n. rhetoric A figure of speech by which what is to be understood affirmatively is stated negatively, and vice versa; affirmation by contraries.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (Rhet.) A figure of speech by which what is to be understood affirmatively is stated negatively, and the contrary; affirmation by contraries.