Stylistic Devices – Understatement

weaken or soften a statement

A statement is deliberately weakened to sound ironical or softened to sound more polite.

Note that understatement is a common feature of the English language (especially British English) used in everyday-life situations.

Examples:

• I know a little about running a company. (a successful businessman might modestly say.)
• I think we have slightly different opinions on this topic. (instead of: I don't agree with you at all.)

counterpart: → Hyperbole

Changed: 06th Nov 2006 11:41

URL: http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/writing/style/understatement