understatement

Etymology

under- +‎ statement

Noun

understatement (usually uncountable, plural understatements)

1. An incomplete statement, particularly:
   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; meiosis.

      A master of understatement

   2. An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis.

      Now that's an understatement.

   3. An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.

Etymology

Borrowed from English understatement.

Pronunciation

• Audio

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• Hyphenation: un‧der‧state‧ment

Noun

understatement n (plural understatements)

1. understatement

Etymology

Borrowed from English understatement.

Noun

understatement m (invariable)

1. understatement