What is the example of understatement?

What is the example of understatement?

Understatement Definition An understatement is a figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is. For example, you win 10 million dollars in a lottery. When you tell a news reporter “I am delighted,” you are making an understatement.

Is Understatement a good thing?

Understatement is used when a speaker wants to a make a situation seem less strong or important than it is. ... This is understatement. We can also call this modesty.

Is understatement in a sentence?

To say her filmography, and indeed, her life had been colorful would be something of an understatement . To say that the area is teeming with birds would be an understatement . To say the 1980s were good for Cher is an understatement .

What is an expression understatement?

Understatement is an expression of lesser strength than what the speaker or writer actually means or than what is normally expected. It is the opposite of embellishment or exaggeration, and is used for emphasis, irony, hedging, or humor.

How do you understate something?

By definition, an understatement is when you represent something as less than what it is. This can be done in writing or in speech. When you make an understatement, the issue at hand is minimalized or made to seem less important or severe.

What's an example of juxtaposition?

Juxtaposition in literary terms is the showing contrast by concepts placed side by side. An example of juxtaposition are the quotes "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country", and "Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate", both by John F.

What does understatement of the year mean?

Definition of the understatement of the year —used of a statement that makes something seem much smaller, much less important, etc., than it really is "I may have overreacted a little." "That's the understatement of the year!"

What is understatement humor?

Here's a quick and simple definition: Understatement is a figure of speech in which something is expressed less strongly than would be expected, or in which something is presented as being smaller, worse, or lesser than it really is. ... Understatement is generally intended to be humorous.

What does disappointed is an understatement mean?

Word forms: understatements countable noun. If you say that a statement is an understatement, you mean that it does not fully express the extent to which something is true. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. Synonyms: euphemism, trivialization More Synonyms of understatement. uncountable noun.

What does understated elegance mean?

not trying to impress people or to attract their attention, and therefore attractive or effective. She dressed with understated elegance.

What does the word understatement mean?

• understatement(Noun) a disclosure or statement that is less than complete. ... Understatement(noun) the act of understating, or the condition of being understated; that which is understated; a statement below the truth.

What is the purpose of an understatement?

• Function of Understatement. An understatement is a tool that helps to develop other figures of speech, such as irony and sarcasm, by deliberately decreasing the severity of a situation, when an intense response is expected by the listeners or the readers.

What are the examples of understatement?

• In the middle of an intense thunderstorm: "We're having a little rain."
• After wrecking your car: "There's a little scratch."
• After coming home to find that your dog has torn apart couch cushions and strewn stuffing all over the floor: "Well,you had a little fun while I was ...

What is the effect of the understatement?

• An understatement usually has an ironic effect, as an equally intense response is expected in severe situations, but the statement in response is the opposite of what was expected. For instance, your friend returns your new coat with a large wine stain on the front of it.