Meaning & use
understatement
A statement that presents something as less significant, severe, or impressive than it truly is.
See it in a sentence
Saying the hurricane caused 'some damage' was a huge understatement.
Calling the marathon 'a bit tiring' is quite an understatement.
A note on using this word
Understatement is a common feature of British humor, where facts are deliberately downplayed for ironic effect.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
exaggerationoverstatement
Make it your own
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