An understatement for the purpose of emphasis is known as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the figure of speech that is an understatement used to create emphasis.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Panegyric: A formal piece of writing or speech praising a person or achievement. It is a type of composition, not a figure of speech for understatement.
• Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration for effect (e.g., "I have told you a million times"). This is the opposite of understatement.
• Climax: Arranging ideas in order of increasing importance or intensity (e.g., "I came, I saw, I conquered").
• Litotes: A form of understatement where an idea is expressed by negating its opposite, which makes the point more emphatic. Examples: "He is not a bad singer" (meaning he is very good), or "She is no fool" (meaning she is very clever).

Step 3: Match to the question Only litotes is an understatement used for emphasis. Hyperbole is the reverse (overstatement), while panegyric and climax are different devices altogether.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. litotes.

Exam tip: Remember the pair: Hyperbole = Hype (exaggerate up), Litotes = Little (understate down). Both are used for effect, but in opposite directions. In JAMB Literature, expect to see litotes alongside other devices such as meiosis, irony, and euphemism, so be sure to distinguish them.