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where you say something that's true, but you don't put enough emphasis into it

for example, it would be an understatement to call the most beautiful woman in the world "cute" and instead of saying "she's drop-dead beautiful"

also note, understatement is one word, just for future reference.

It is when someone comments on an event, object or person and vastly "under" states an obvious feature or reaction. An understatement is sometimes used humorously, sometimes ironically, and sometimes out of ignorance.

For example : While watching a NASCAR race from the front bleachers, Jim says: "Those cars are kind of fast." as they race by at 180 MPH and blow his hat off.

Or if you see 2 teens making out in a movie theater like the world is ending tomorrow and comment: "They might like each other".

Walking out in the Death Valley desert, temperatures can reach 120 °F or more. If you say something like -"It is a bit warm", you are making an understatement.

Basically, saying something with less impact than the situation seems to warrant.

Understatement is a form of humor, intentional or not that involves placing less importance on an event or propostion than might be appropriate. A few examples:

A catastrophic flood: "It got a little damp."

A platoon leader in the Korean War watching 5000 Chinese troops charging his position: "Gentlemen, we have a target rich environment."

You just hit the lottery for $4 million dollars: "Cool."

Watching a Vintage Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Drive by: "Bet that cost a buck or two. Hate to buy the gas though."

And of course, the one best known to TV viewers, someone gets blown up, falls from a tall building, is crushed, etc. "That's going to leave a mark."

A catchall understatement for any disastrous result: "That could have gone better."

Understatement is most often associated with Brits, Australians and Texans.

an understatement tends to minimize the truth. Like looking at a building totally engulfed in flames and saying, "don't you think the firemen should put that out?" It is minimizing the obvious usually with sarcasm in mind.

It's the exact opposite of exaggeration.

sugar coating the truth