understatement
Translation
understatement
Examples
To say it was a bit cold is an understatement.
To say it was a bit cold is an understatement.
He is known for his classic British understatement.
He is known for his classic British understatement.
Grammar Patterns
((...)) a restrained statement To say he was happy is an understatement.
an understatement to say ((that...)) it is a restrained way of saying (that...) It is an understatement to say that the project was a success.
Similar Words
Synonyms: minimization, meiosis; Antonyms: exaggeration, hyperbole
Etymology
From 'under-' (beneath, less than) + 'statement'. A statement that falls below the actual facts or intensity.
Memory Tips
Think of a statement that is 'under' the true level of importance. The opposite of an 'overstatement'.