die Untertreibung
Translation
understatement, litotes
Examples
Seine Aussage war eine klare Untertreibung.
His statement was a clear understatement.
Zu sagen, es sei warm, ist eine Untertreibung.
To say it's warm is an understatement.
Grammar Patterns
sth. is an understatement etwas ist eine Untertreibung To say it was difficult is an understatement.
Similar Words
die Bescheidenheit (modesty), die Zurückhaltung (restraint); Antonym: die Übertreibung
Etymology
From the verb 'untertreiben' (to understate), which is 'unter' (under) + 'treiben' (to drive). It means to 'drive under' the actual value.
Memory Tips
It's the direct opposite of 'Übertreibung' (exaggeration). Remember 'unter' (under) vs. 'über' (over).