understatement

Meaning

1. (rhetoric, uncountable, usually) A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is, either through phrasing or lack of emphasis, often for ironic effect.
2. (countable, usually) An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis; an incomplete statement.
3. (uncountable, usually) An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.

Opposite of

auxesis, hyperbole, exaggeration, overstatement

Synonyms

underestimation

belittlement

debasement

decrease

decrement

deflation

depletion

derogation

deterioration

detraction

devaluation

diminution

disparagement

litotes

mitigation

reduction

shrinkage

abatement

disparagment

Translations

litote

Untertreibung

euphémisme

υποτίμιση

affermazione inadeguata

Unterbewertung

atenuació

υποτιμητική ομιλία

υποτιμητική έκθεση

Litotes

adoucissement

υποτίμηση

μείωση

lítote

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˌʌndəˈsteɪtmənt/

Etymology

From under- + statement or understate + -ment.