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understatement

/ˈʌndəsteɪtmənt/

/ˈʌndərsteɪtmənt/

Translations

understatementnoun

understatements

/ˈʌndəsteɪtmənt/

/ˈʌndərsteɪtmənt/

litoteFigure de style consistant à atténuer volontairement l’expression.

Saying that the weather is 'a bit chilly' during a snowstorm is quite an understatement.

Dire qu’il fait « un peu frisquet » pendant une tempête de neige est une vraie litote.

sous-estimationSens général de minimisation ou d’évaluation trop faible de quelque chose.

Calling the Grand Canyon 'a nice view' is an understatement of its grandeur.

Qualifier le Grand Canyon de « jolie vue » est une sous-estimation de sa grandeur.

Additional translations

minimisationPlus fréquent dans un registre analytique ou critique.

Synonyms

understatementnoun

A statement that represents something as smaller or less intense than it actually is.

Saying that the weather is 'a bit chilly' during a snowstorm is quite an understatement.

The presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.

Calling the Grand Canyon 'a nice view' is an understatement of its grandeur.

Restraint or subtlety in expression, often conveying meaning by downplaying or minimizing facts.

Her description of the disastrous meeting as 'a little awkward' showed her gift for British understatement.