understatement (C1)
noun
Pronunciation: /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtmənt/
Definition
The presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.
Examples
To say that the concert was 'quite good' would be an understatement; it was spectacular.
Calling the recent economic downturn a 'slight inconvenience' was a gross understatement of the situation.
Her comment that the marathon was 'a bit tiring' was a classic understatement, given she collapsed at the finish line.
How to Use understatement
- to be an understatement (collocation)
- To be a statement that is less forceful than the truth allows. — "To say their performance was 'good' would be an understatement; it was phenomenal."
Synonyms of understatement
Words with a similar meaning to understatement:
Antonyms of understatement
Words with the opposite meaning to understatement:
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