Antenantiosis (an’-ten-an’-ti-os’-is): See litotes. (Deliberate understatement, especially when expressing a thought by denying its opposite. The Ad Herennium author suggests litotes as a means of expressing modesty [downplaying one’s accomplishments] in order to gain the audience’s favor [establishing ethos]).
I’m not worthy! There is no way I deserve an award for my acting in that movie.
This is a total shock!
BUT
I accept your award with humble gratitude and deep regard for your choice. I respect your judgment, and even though I don’t think I deserve it, I will cherish this award for the rest of my life. It means a lot to me–more than you’ll ever know.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
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