understatement

About 0.84 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun 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.

   A master of understatement

2. noun An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis; an incomplete statement.

   Now that's an understatement.

3. noun An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.

Similar words

say euphemism tell reality enough moderation reductive reductant restraint underestimate

Often followed by

of to and in is that for or as

Word family

understatements