What does understatement mean?
Definitions for understatement
ˌʌn dərˈsteɪt mənt, ˈʌn dərˌsteɪt-un·der·state·ment
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word understatement.
Princeton's WordNet
understatementnoun
a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said
Wiktionary
understatementnoun
a disclosure or statement that is less than complete
understatementnoun
restraint or lack of emphasis, especially for ironic effect
Etymology: * under + statement
Wikipedia
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.”
ChatGPT
understatement
An understatement is a rhetorical or literary device in which a statement or situation is presented as less important, severe, or significant than it actually is, often for ironic or humorous effect.
Webster Dictionary
Understatementnoun
the act of understating, or the condition of being understated; that which is understated; a statement below the truth
Wikidata
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
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of understatement in Chaldean Numerology is: 3
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of understatement in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8
Examples of understatement in a Sentence
To say I'm excited to be heading to Cape Town to host Love Island, the biggest show on television, is an understatement, i want to thank ITV for trusting me at the helm of this huge show. I wish it was in better circumstances ; Caroline is a brilliant host and also a friend. We've spoken a lot in the last few days since she stepped down. She has been very kind to me and strongly pushed me for this role.
To say it was fortunate for him that the biker came by, is an understatement.
Saying that I was stunned is an understatement. I couldnt believe it was real. It took several days for the reality to set in that my mistake had paid off to the tune of $2 million!
I realized afterwards that this was in incredibly, to say it was incredibly poor taste is an understatement.
I ’m shocked, shocked would be an understatement. Traumatized is a better word.
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Translations for understatement
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
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"understatement." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/understatement>.
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