Litotes

negatively stated for effect

He was not the firstborn, and he didn’t fail to ask for a not insubstantial amount. The city to which he went was not close, and the speed with which he dissipated the money failed to lack considerableness.

       

Friends were few; tummy rumblings were not without volume. Not less than 100% of the population was somewhat more than simply peckish, and the boy didn’t wish merely occasionally for the pig food. It was not a self-induced revelation, and he chose to not remain after no lengthy delay.

       

He asked not for sonship, but father failed to give him time to speak. He failed to restrain his generosity and showered him with gifts that were not insignificant: a non-ending ring, a non-waterproof coat, shoes without buckles and a not unwelcome party, including a not-living beast that could have never be inaccurately described as failing to be less than fully developed.

       

‘My son was nowhere to be found, but now his whereabouts are disclosed; he lacked a pulse – now I know he is far from dead!’