Definitions for understatement
ˌʌn dərˈsteɪt mənt, ˈʌn dərˌsteɪt-un·der·state·ment

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. understatementnoun

   a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said

WiktionaryRate this definition:2.0 / 1 vote

1. understatementnoun

   a disclosure or statement that is less than complete

2. understatementnoun

   restraint or lack of emphasis, especially for ironic effect

3. Etymology: * under + statement

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Understatement

   Understatement is an expression of lesser strength than what the speaker or writer actually means or than what is normally expected. It is the opposite of embellishment or exaggeration, and is used for emphasis, irony, hedging, or humor. A particular form of understatement using negative syntax is called litotes. This is not to be confused with euphemism, where a polite phrase is used in place of a harsher or more offensive expression. Understatement may also be called underexaggeration to denote lesser enthusiasm. Understatement also merges the comic with the ironic, as in Mark Twain’s comment, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Understatementnoun

   the act of understating, or the condition of being understated; that which is understated; a statement below the truth

FreebaseRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Understatement

   Understatement is a form of speech which contains an expression of less strength than what would be expected. This is not to be confused with euphemism, where a polite phrase is used in place of a harsher or more offensive expression.

Matched Categories

1. • Statement

How to pronounce understatement?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say understatement in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of understatement in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of understatement in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

Examples of understatement in a Sentence

1. Drew Ferguson:

   To say it was heated was an understatement.

2. John Garcia:

   I took it to heart, the ordeals that Actor Haing Ngor went through and Actor Haing Ngor life, losing Actor Haing Ngor wife ? I could not believe that Actor Haing Ngor would die in the streets of Los Angeles in such a horrible manner after surviving everything Actor Haing Ngor endured. Did I feel pressure ? I think pressure is an understatement. Because I took it [ personally ].

3. Bill de Blasio:

   To call this vile is an understatement. Eid is a moment to celebrate peace, community and family, an attack on that is an attack on all New Yorkers.

4. Selena Gomez:

   My first WE Day experience was three years ago, and to say I was impressed is an understatement, the electricity of an arena full of thousands of young people who are making real change in the world is like nothing I've ever experienced.

5. Bakersfield Now Fiona Daghir:

   She just texted me this, terrified is an understatement.

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