UNDERSTATEMENT

understatement

(noun) a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

understatement (usually uncountable, plural understatements)

An incomplete statement, particularly

(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.

An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis.

An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.

Synonyms

• (rhetorical device): meiosis

Antonyms

• (generally): overstatement

• (rhetorical device): See hyperbole

Hyponyms

• (rhetorical device, stating something by denying its opposite): litotes

• (instance of its use, extreme brevity): laconism

Source: Wiktionary


Un"der*state`ment, n.

Definition: The act of understating, or the condition of being understated; that which is understated; a statement below the truth.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

18 March 2025

ODONTOGLOSSUM

(noun) any of numerous and diverse orchids of the genus Odontoglossum having racemes of few to many showy usually large flowers in many colors


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