An understatement is a figure of speech in which a statement is deliberately made to seem less important or significant than it really is. It involves expressing something in a way that minimizes its importance or impact, often for the purpose of creating a humorous or ironic effect.
For example, if it is pouring rain outside and someone says, “I think it’s a bit wet out there,” that would be an understatement because it downplays the severity of the weather. Similarly, if a person who just ran a marathon said, “I’m a bit tired,” that would also be an understatement because it doesn’t accurately convey the exhaustion they must be feeling.
Understatements can create humor, emphasize a point, or make a situation seem more manageable. They are often used in literature, comedy, and everyday conversation.
Links
. Understatement – Examples and Definition of Understatement
Benjamin L. Stewart 