Definition of understatement

understatementnoun

sự nói giảm nói tránh

/ˈʌndəsteɪtmənt//ˈʌndərsteɪtmənt/

The word "understatement" has its roots in the early 17th century. The term "understate" means "to say less than what is true" or "to under-value" something. This concept of downplaying or minimizing something was initially referred to as "under-statement" in the 17th century. The term gained popularity in the late 18th century, particularly in the context of literature and poetry. Writers and poets would use understatement as a literary device to convey a sense of subtlety, irony, or humor. For example, saying "I'm not lazy, I'm just conserving energy" is an understatement. In modern times, the term "understatement" has evolved to encompass not just literary devices but also everyday language and communication. It can refer to a statement that is deliberately vague, downplayed, or less emphatic than the actual situation.

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a statement that makes something seem less important, impressive, serious, etc. than it really is

một câu nói làm cho một điều gì đó có vẻ kém quan trọng, ấn tượng, nghiêm túc, v.v. hơn thực tế

Example:
  • To say we were pleased is an understatement (= we were extremely pleased).

    Nói rằng chúng tôi hài lòng là một cách đánh giá thấp (= chúng tôi vô cùng hài lòng).

  • ‘These figures are a bit disappointing.’ ‘That's got to be the understatement of the year.’

    ‘Những con số này hơi đáng thất vọng.’ ‘Đó hẳn là câu nói khiêm tốn nhất trong năm.’

the practice of making things seem less impressive, important, serious, etc. than they really are

thực hành làm cho mọi thứ có vẻ kém ấn tượng, quan trọng, nghiêm túc, v.v. hơn thực tế

Example:
  • typical English understatement

    cách nói giảm nhẹ điển hình của tiếng Anh

  • He always goes for subtlety and understatement in his movies.

    Ông luôn hướng đến sự tinh tế và giản dị trong các bộ phim của mình.

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