understatement
Understatement (noun) means a statement that presents something as smaller, milder, or less significant than it really is, sometimes for ironic effect. Example: “Saying the hurricane caused "some damage" was quite an understatement.”
How to use understatement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribing something as less impressive or serious than it actually is.
Often used sarcastically, as in "that's an understatement," to emphasize that something is actually much bigger or worse.
Word forms
understatements plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Saying the hurricane caused "some damage" was quite an _____.
Etymology
From under- plus statement, or alternatively from understate plus -ment.
Rhymes for understatement
Frequently asked questions
What does “understatement” mean?
The word “understatement” means a statement that presents something as smaller, milder, or less significant than it really is, sometimes for ironic effect. In plain terms, describing something as less impressive or serious than it actually is.
How do you pronounce “understatement”?
“Understatement” is pronounced uhn-duh-STAYT-muhnt (/ˌʌndɚˈsteɪtmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “understatement” in a sentence?
Here is “understatement” used in a sentence: “Saying the hurricane caused "some damage" was quite an understatement.”
What part of speech is “understatement”?
“Understatement” is a noun.
Is “understatement” a common word?
“Understatement” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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