understatement

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtmənt/

KK: /ʌndərˈsteɪtmənt/

noun

Definition

A statement that makes something seem less important or serious than it really is.

Example

His comment about the disaster was an understatement; it was much worse than he described.

Conversation

I think saying the concert was good is a bit of an understatement.

Definitely! It was one of the best shows I've ever seen.

Right? The energy was amazing, not just good.

Exactly! Calling it good feels like an understatement.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

minimization

trivialization

softening

Antonyms

exaggeration

amplification

overstatement

Root Explanation

Understatement → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or less than) and "statement" (from Latin "stare", meaning to stand). The word refers to a statement that presents something as less significant than it is, hence standing below the actual importance.

Memory Tip

Think of saying something is 'less than' ('under-') what it really is — that's why understatement means to present something as less significant.

Visually Confused Words

counterstatement