what do you call it when you define something by what it isn't?

Question

for example ' i know you should regard yourself as number one, but you should not think you are better than someone else' <-- thats kinda what im trying to find a word for.

for example ' i know you should regard yourself as number one, but you should not think you are better than someone else' <-- thats kinda what im trying to find a word for.
im only after serious answers - whatever idiot said 'hippie'

I mean like when something is an oxymoron, or a tautology. Im sure there is a word for what I am describing, Nothing has been right so far tho :-( Sad to say.

Answer 1

Perhaps the word that you are looking for is non-sequitur?

Answer 2

"Process of elimination" comes to mind but that's not quite it.

Hyperbole is incorrect: 1. obvious and intentional exaggeration.
2. an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally, as “to wait an eternity.”

Non sequitur is also incorrect: 1. Logic. an inference or a conclusion that does not follow from the premises.
2. a statement containing an illogical conclusion.

Answer 3

Maybe the word you are looking for is 'conceited'. Someone "having an overweening opinion of oneself". A word originating in 1597.

Answer 4

Hyperbole

Answer 5

It s an understatement. You say the truth, saying the opposite to enhance what you really want to say. Like in the famous French sentence : "Vas, je ne te hais point" : "Leave, I don't hate you", meaning : "Stay, I love you"

Answer 6

hippie

Answer 7

probably a quote? idk for sure