Understatement

/ˌʌndəˈsteɪtmənt/ · noun

Meaning

(uncountable, rhetoric) A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is, either through phrasing or lack of emphasis, often for ironic effect..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable, rhetoric) A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is, either through phrasing or lack of emphasis, often for ironic effect.
2. (countable) An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis; an incomplete statement.
3. An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.

Example Sentences

A master of understatement

And that mode of expression is very demurring and self-deprecating. Victorian English was all about understatement.

Now that's an understatement.

Synonyms for understatement

Antonyms for understatement

Related Words

Word Forms

• understatements

Usage Notes

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