understatement
/ˌʌndərˈsteɪtmənt/
noun
- A statement that makes something seem less important, serious, or extreme than it really is.
- Saying the weather is 'a bit warm' during a heatwave is an understatement.
- The report was a massive understatement of the damage caused by the storm.
- Calling her performance 'good' is an understatement; she was brilliant.
- The practice of representing something in a restrained or subtle way, often for effect.
- British humor often relies on understatement for its comedic effect.
- The architect's use of understatement makes the building feel calm and spacious.
- Understatement can be more powerful than exaggeration in storytelling.
Antonyms