understatement
|un-der-state-ment|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈʌndərˌsteɪtmənt/
🇬🇧
/ˈʌndəˌsteɪtmənt/
downplayed expression
Etymology
Etymology Information
'understatement' originates from the English words 'under' and 'statement', where 'under' meant 'below' and 'statement' meant 'a declaration'.
Historical Evolution
'understatement' was formed by combining 'under' and 'statement' in English, and it has retained its form and meaning since its inception.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a statement made with restraint', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a statement that makes something seem less important or serious than it actually is.
Saying the weather is 'a bit chilly' during a snowstorm is an understatement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41