understatement
UK/ʌndə'steɪtm(ə)nt/US/ʌndә'steitmәnt/
GREC2
Definitions
n.
A statement that makes something seem less important, serious, or extreme than it really is, often deliberately or ironically
轻描淡写（的说法）；保守的陈述
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedunderstatebelow, insufficiently
+
-mentstand, set, place
=understatement
understate + -ment: the act or result of understating. Often used ironically — 'calling the storm 'a bit of wind' is an understatement' means the description was absurdly mild.
Common Collocations
- 1.classic understatement典型的轻描淡写
- 2.massive understatement极大的轻描淡写
- 3.gross understatement严重的低估
Example Sentences
- 1.
Saying he was 'a bit upset' is a massive understatement.
- 2.
To call the view stunning would be an understatement.
- 3.
British humour often relies on understatement.