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understatement

[ uhn-der-steyt-muhnt, uhn-der-steyt- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act or an instance of understating, or representing in a weak or restrained way that is not borne out by the facts:
The journalist wrote that the earthquake had caused some damage. This turned out to be a massive understatement of the devastation.

understatement

A form of irony in which something is intentionally represented as less than it is: “Hank Aaron was a pretty good ball player.”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of understatement¹

under- + statement

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

McClarnon, speaking from Camel Rock Studios in Santa Fe, N.M., took a break from filming “Dark Winds’” fourth season to talk about head trips, authenticity and the power of understatement.

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Kudos to Gaga for keeping her cards close to her chest with the understatement of the century.

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Of course, any good theme park needs some good rides - but maybe it's an understatement to say that's a tall order.

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“I think it would be the understatement of the decade if we said that we have concerns about the expediency of federal support, not only here in California, but across the country,” Carvalho said.

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British understatement, as we await quite the statement from America later.

From

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