Word
understatement
Phoneticsun·der·state·ment, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəndɝˌsteɪtmənt/
UK/ˌʌndəstˈeɪtmənt/
Definitions
01making something seem smaller
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a statement that makes something seem less important or serious than it is, often to be funny or polite.
n. a figure of speech or statement that represents something as less significant than it truly is, frequently employed for ironic or understated emphasis.
“To say the marathon was 'a bit tiring' is a huge understatement.”
“Describing the total collapse of the company as a 'minor setback' was a masterclass in corporate understatement.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'to say that... is an understatement'.
Antonyms
02a style of restraint
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. a style of acting, dressing, or speaking that is simple and not flashy.
n. the quality of being subtle or restrained in presentation, avoiding excessive decoration or emotional display.
“The room was decorated with elegant understatement, using only grey and white.”
“The actor's performance was praised for its quiet understatement, conveying deep grief without a single shout or tear.”
Usage
Uncountable in this sense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Pyka's planes are sometimes called large drones, but it seems an understatement: they all have 11.5m wingspans.” “This pre-season has been “more calm,” the sporting director, Simon Rolfes, said with some understatement, and even if Alejandro Grimaldo left for Atlético Madrid, life at BayArena is now stable.” Etymology
From under- + statement or understate + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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