Understatement

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtmənt/

Definitions of understatement

noun a statement that represents something as smaller or less intense, or less important than it really is

Example Sentences

A1 She said the party was fun, but that's an understatement.

A2 His description of the movie as 'okay' was a massive understatement.

B1 The impact of the pandemic on the economy was more than just an understatement.

B2 To say she was disappointed would be an understatement; she was devastated.

C1 The artist's talent is truly remarkable, to call it anything less would be an understatement.

C2 The beauty of the sunset was beyond words, to describe it as 'nice' would be a severe understatement.

adjective relating to or being an understatement

Example Sentences

A1 That movie was good, but calling it just 'good' is an understatement.

A2 She said the hike was tough, but that's an understatement - it was brutal!

B1 The restaurant was busy, to say the least - that's an understatement.

B2 Describing her talent as impressive would be an understatement - she is truly exceptional.

C1 To say he is a skilled musician is an understatement - he is a virtuoso.

C2 The impact of climate change on the environment is not just significant, it is an understatement to say it is catastrophic.

Examples of understatement in a Sentence

formal To say that his performance was impressive would be an understatement.

informal Calling her a good singer is an understatement.

slang She's not just smart, she's a genius - and that's an understatement.

figurative The impact of the pandemic on the economy is nothing short of an understatement.

Grammatical Forms of understatement

past tense

understated

plural

understatements

comparative

more understated

superlative

most understated

present tense

understates

future tense

will understate

perfect tense

has understated

continuous tense

is understating

singular

understatement

positive degree

understated

infinitive

to understate

gerund

understating

participle

understated

Origin and Evolution of understatement

First Known Use: 1729 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'understatement' originated from the Latin word 'sub', meaning 'under', and 'stare', meaning 'to stand'. It was later adapted into Old French as 'underestimer'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to denote a statement that diminishes the importance or magnitude of something, the word 'understatement' has evolved to also convey a sense of irony or humor in modern usage.