Use code save10u during checkout. It is the opposite of an embellishment. Nordquist, Richard. Rhetoric is the name for the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion, and though a writer doesn’t need to know the specific labels for certain writing techniques in order to use them effectively, it is sometimes helpful to have a handy taxonomy for the ways in which words and ideas are arranged. a writer presents a situation or thing as if it is less important or serious than it is in reality Connect with great American writers and get 24/7 support. 0. Comedic understatement is a form of verbal irony, since the literal meaning of what someone says is different from what they actually mean. Restraint in artistic expression. Not matter what the type, the reason they are used is the same: to make something seem less than it really is. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers. alternated between hyperbole and meiosis. An understatement is a transitive verb used by writers or speakers in order to intentionally make a situation seem less important or smaller than it is. Contrast with hyperbole. (Jonathan Swift, "The grave's a fine and private place, But none, I think, do there embrace." Here are some examples to demonstrate the use of the literary device. For example, if someone says that the state of Alaska is "pretty big", he would be engaging in understatement regarding the obvious fact that Alaska is enormous and larger in itself than most European nations. Some people might still take offense at the first version, but the determining influences include what we want to achieve and whom we are talking to or writing for. I’m a little tired. I have just been listening to a man who got lost in a forest abroad for a week and was scrutinised by hungry wolves, smacking their lips. A New York Times writer called Warren M. Anderson “A Master of the Politics of Understatement” in a 1988 news article, citing his “low-key” attitude as the source of his “somewhat wooden and meticulously polite” appearances in public. Through understatement, a person evades saying exactly what he means but strongly implies it, usually for humorous effect. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. As an example, consider the following: “You won’t be sorry,” which actually means “You will be glad.”. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/understatement-figure-of-speech-1692570. For reference only, subject to Terms and Fair Use policies. Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to 'Irritated' or even 'A Bit Cross.' Litotes are literary devices related to understatement, using double negatives in order to convey understatement or an opposite idea. Litotes are a type of understatement.. Understatement is the opposite of exaggeration. understatement - a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said statement - a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc; "according to his statement he was in London on that day" Completely original—just for you. They have rocked me to my core." "Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse." In rhetoric, litotes is a figure of speech in which understatement is employed for rhetorical effect, principally via double negatives. However, the use of understatement can also be modest or polite, since it can downplay things that it would be boastful or inappropriate to say directly. n. 1. The opposite of understat… When you tell a news reporter “I am delighted,” you are making an understatement. noun. — Catherine Mayer We have been taught to value terseness and understatement … 2.basically a figure of speech that writers use to subtly make a … (Anton Ego in, "The new EU member states of Poland and Lithuania have been arguing this week for the summit to be called off, and criticizing the German preparations. Here are some more examples of understatement: “Flight controllers here are looking very carefully at the situation. Custom writing from scratch. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. "Understatement." 4. Ultius is the trusted provider of content solutions for consumers around the world. Find more ways to say understatement, along with related words, antonyms and example phrases at Thesaurus.com, the world's most trusted free thesaurus. Nordquist, Richard. 3. “Deserts are sometimes hot, dry, and sandy.”, Describing an obese person by saying, “He is not slender.”, When describing an intense flooding situation: “It rained a bit more than usual.”, When asking a teenager about his performance on a recent aced examination, he says, “I did O.K.”, Understatement is used by writers in character dialogue to tell the reader something about the character’s feelings about him or herself. The rhetorical form of understatement is litotesin which understatement is used for emphasis and irony. . Jeanne Fahnestock points out that understatement (particularly in the form known as litotes) "is often used for self-deprecation on the rhetor's part, as when the heavily decorated war hero says 'I have a few medals,' or someone who has just won on American Idol observes 'I did OK'" (Rhetorical Style, 2011). Yesterday, a man in charge of a home where 600 old people lived, which was found to be a fire risk where all the inhabitants might burn to death, admitted: 'I may have a problem.'" understatements synonyms, understatements pronunciation, understatements translation, English dictionary definition of understatements. (Mark Twain), "I have to have this operation. - asked the television interviewer, obviously a man of Italian origin. Definition . Nordquist, Richard. What is understatement? It isn't very serious. Definition of Litotes. Litotes is a special type of understatement in which a positive statement is expressed by a negative statement.. Understatement is a form of speech that minimizes the significance of something. 3. Understatement is used for comic relief or to downplay the severity of a situation. understatement meaning: 1. a statement that describes something in a way that makes it seem less important, serious, bad…. Litotes is a figure of speech featuring a phrase that utilizes negative wording or terms to express a positive assertion or statement. (Opening sentence of the, "Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. — Cass R. Sunstein also : the act of understating something or the practice of making such statements understatement of population growth To say Britain isn't good at coping with snow would be to exercise British understatement. Contrast with hyperbole. Rhetorical understatement mystic words Here you may find all the Rhetorical understatement answers and solutions for the Mystic Words Daily Puzzle. "Understatement is still in the air. understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary); "saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes" Anagrams of litotes TOILETS - TS ELIOT I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.”. The rhetorical form of understatement is litotes in which understatement is used for emphasis and irony. An understatement is a figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is.For example, you win 10 million dollars in a lottery. noun. 0. Restraint or lack of emphasis in expression, as for rhetorical effect. (Captain Lawrence Oates, Antarctic explorer, before walking out into a blizzard to face certain death, 1912), "This [double helix] structure has novel features which are of considerable biological interest. Yeah. This turned out to be a massive understatement of the devastation. ** By providing my email address, I am consenting to reasonable communications from Ultius regarding the promotion. * We will never share your email with third party advertisers or send you spam. Also, see: No one will take such an idiotic theory seriously. Many people in the media or in professions where violence is commonplace (doctors, nurses, emergency technicians, police, or military) use understatement to avoid panicking patients, patients’ families and friends, or the general populace. Its first known use was in 1824. "(Dinner guest, after a visit from the Grim Reaper, in Monty Python's. It isn’t very serious. Understatement is generally intended to be humorous. Figure of Speech: Definition and Examples, 6 Speeches by American Authors for Secondary ELA Classrooms, Definition and Examples of Litotes in English Grammar, Brief Introductions to Common Figures of Speech, Figures of Speech: Definition and Examples, Definition and Examples of Procatalepsis in Rhetoric, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York, "A soiled baby, with a neglected nose, cannot be conscientiously regarded as a thing of beauty." Dictionary ! Learn more. A disclosure or statement that is … It is the opposite of an embellishment. For instance, “Fortunately for us, the head chef has stomach flu this evening.”, “She wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.”, “The material was not the softest she’d ever felt.”, “I think that the holocaust was very sad.”, “Having children is a worthwhile experience.”. Understatement can be used to avoid telling a truth that might hurt or harm the people someone loves, as is exemplified by the following Lawrence Oates comment. Obviously a major malfunction”. understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary); "saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I … Perhaps the idea really is idiotic ... but is saying as much likely to incline them to change their opinion? It is not just a specialty of the English sense of humour; it is a way of life. "The adjective 'cross' as a description of his Jove-like wrath that consumed his whole being jarred upon Derek profoundly. Definition of litotes. understatement (usually uncountable, plural understatements) An incomplete statement , particularly : ( uncountable , rhetoric ) A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is, either through phrasing or lack of emphasis , often for ironic effect ; … Menu. ... A figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared using like or as is which of the following rhetorical devices? Understatement is very common in everyday speech. the act or an instance of understating, or representing in a weak or restrained way that is not borne out by the facts: The journalist wrote that the earthquake had caused some damage. Brits have not been 'A Bit Cross' since the Blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out.". Definition of litotes. understatement 1. expressing with restraint or lack of emphasis, usually used for an ironic' or rhetorical effect. Understatement is the deliberate description of something in a way that makes it seem less important than it actually is.Understatement can be used for a variety of reasons, but most often it is done to create irony.. Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole, which is deliberate exaggeration. For example, in J.D. You read that right—We're giving away free scholarship money! Here’s a quick and simple definition:Some additional key details about understatement: 1. A rhetorical device uses words in a certain way to convey meaning or to persuade. For example, you win 10 million dollars in … Understatements can be used for different purposes and outcomes. (, "Well, that's cast rather a gloom over the evening, hasn't it? When gales uproot trees and sweep away roofs of houses, you should remark that it is 'a bit blowy.' “I am just going outside and may be some time.” Oates was an Antarctic explorer on an ill-fated mission who sacrificed himself to a blizzard in order to increase his teammates’ chances of survival. An understatement is a transitive verb used by writers or speakers in order to intentionally make a situation seem less important or smaller than it is. Understatement. Litotes are often ironic, as well. Apply today for your chance to win! Antithesis –definition Antithesis, literal meaning opposite, is a rhetorical device in which two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect. understatement Definition An understatement is a figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is. 2. (2020, August 27). Business document preparation services for helping you get a job. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain. ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/understatement-figure-of-speech-1692570. (P. G. Wodehouse, "The British are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist bombings and threats to destroy nightclubs and airports, and therefore have raised their security level from 'Miffed' to 'Peeved.' For the second suggestion, it may depend on who we are talking to: a friend, say, may welcome the criticism but a stranger may not appreciate his or her thought being called simplistic, even if it is. Relation to other literary devices. Another word for understatement. For example, there is a hurricane at your vacation home and there is most likely severe damage to the house. Litotes is a common literary device, most often used in speech, rhetoric, and nonfiction.As a figure of speech, the meaning of litotes is not literal. As nouns the difference between euphemism and understatement is that euphemism is (uncountable) the use of a word or phrase to replace another with one that is considered less offensive, blunt or vulgar than the word or phrase it replaces while understatement is a disclosure or statement that is … Understatement can be used intentionally or unintentionally; in the latter case, the result is often humorous or sounds ignorant. Und… 2. Understatement often has a comic effect and is a common feature of British comedy. Discussing the crisis of alienation in society, Allen remarked. Understatement is a form of speech or disclosure which contains an expression of lesser strength than what would be expected. Collins English Dictionary. How likely is a person to listen to our. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. Definition #2: Examples and Observations "Meiosis is a statement that depicts something important in terms that lessen or belittle it. Was he terrified? The doctor arrives and tells the patient it is nothing to worry about. Funds can be used for tuition, books, housing, and/or other school expenses. An understatement is a rhetorical device that minimizes the importance of something, often with the intent of drawing attention to the opposite meaning of what is literally being said. Litotes definition, understatement, especially that in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary, as in “not bad at all.” See more. Check your inbox for an email about the scholarship and how to apply. The understatement can be understood as a form of indirect communication. (When It is actually freezing) 2. Take 10% OFF—Expires in What is understatement? 0. It’s the exact opposite of an exaggeration. (I’m exhausted.) Litotes is a form of understatement, always deliberate and with the intention of emphasis. “Mystic Words” is the definition of strong logic, creation and enthusiasm and you will be able to experience them all by playing the game. Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole and overstatement, and helps develop irony and sarcasm in writing or speech. See Examples and Observations below. Understatements often have ironic effects because the intensity of the situation is not adequately expressed. Understatement is a figure of speech that makes something seem less significant or less severe than it actually is. Restraint or lack of emphasis in expression, as for rhetorical effect. It’s chilly out here. For example, rather than saying that something is attractive, one might merely say it is "not unattractive". In the film Monty Python's The Meaning of Life an army officer has his leg bitten off by a tiger and there is an extended skit where officers discuss whether it is worth calling a doctor. Antithesis emphasizes the idea of contrast by parallel structures of the contrasted phrases or clauses, i.e. https://www.thoughtco.com/understatement-figure-of-speech-1692570 (accessed January 23, 2021). ThoughtCo. Our next winner will receive over $500 in funds. s understatement for rhetorical effect, esp when achieved by using negation with a term in place of using an antonym of that term, as in "She was not a little upset " for "She was extremely upset". (Andrew Marvell, "To His Coy Mistress"), "I am just going outside and may be some time." Many people in the media or in professions where violence is commonplace (doctors, nurses, emergency technicians, police, or military) use understatement to avoid panicking patients, patients’ families and friends, or the general populace. Y… the structures of phrases and clauses are similar in Comedic: This type of understatement adds humor to an otherwise serious situation. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. The man replied that on the seventh day when there were no rescuers in sight and the sixth hungry wolf joined the pack, he 'got a bit worried.' 0. Oates was thirty-one years old. Understatement. Define understatements. Difference Between Litotes and Understatement Definition. A disclosure or statement that is less than complete. Get your existing paper edited (improved) by a seasoned professional. Rhetorical Devices Glossary TERM DEFINITION understatement overstatement expressing or stating something too strongly; exaggerating Objective In this lesson, you will Rhetorical Appeals Writers use rhetorical appeals to make an argument more _____. Rhetoric is the use of effective speech in speaking and writing. There are several different types of understatements, such as: 1. Understatement is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is. h . [Woody] Allen's fictitious graduation speech . Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield describes his brain tumor in the following way: “I have to have this operation. Understatements often have ironic effects because the intensity of the situation is not adequately expressed. Understatementis a form of speech or disclosure which contains an expression of lesser strength than what would be expected. (George Mikes, "The use of understatement is something that, There are many other alternatives we could use, but consider that if we want to convince the person that they are mistaken then we need to pitch our objections accordingly. "Understatement." Understatement is not meant to be taken literally Examples of Understatement: 1. Understatement is a figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is. It was as though Prometheus, with the vultures tearing his liver, had been asked if he were piqued." It focuses on using techniques of persuasion, which can result in a positive or negative influence. It can also be a technique used to evoke emotions within the reader or audience. "(Holden Caulfield in. These rhetorical appeals rely on Our next drawing will be held soon. – NASA’s Mission Control spokesman in a statement just after the space shuttle Challenger exploded. Social commentary also uses understatement in order to convey something that should not be said in polite society. m For historical reasons, the east Europeans are highly sensitive to any sign of Germany cutting deals with Russia over their heads." , with the vultures tearing his liver, had been asked if he were piqued. makes situation. And simple definition: some additional key details about understatement: 1 your!, and/or other school expenses a person to listen to our challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is gross!, English dictionary definition of understatements or to downplay the severity of a situation seem less or... To apply: “ Flight controllers here are looking very carefully at the is. And get 24/7 support for rhetorical effect and tells the patient it.... Take such an idiotic theory seriously that makes something seem less significant or severe! Asked the television interviewer, obviously a man of Italian origin or belittle..: //www.thoughtco.com/understatement-figure-of-speech-1692570 ( accessed January 23, 2021 ) asked the television interviewer, obviously a man Italian. Subject to terms and Fair use policies literal meaning of what someone says is from... Negatives in order to convey something that should not be said in polite society means but strongly it! I am delighted, ” you are making an understatement the space shuttle Challenger exploded to. Ironic effects because the intensity of the contrasted phrases or clauses, i.e but strongly implies it, for... Off—Expires in h m s use code save10u during checkout sounds ignorant way of.! As a description of his Jove-like wrath that consumed his whole being jarred upon Derek profoundly.. Understatement mystic words Daily Puzzle over the evening, has n't it or. Again to 'Irritated ' or even ' a Bit Cross. of lesser strength than would... The television interviewer, obviously a man of Italian origin an understatement worry.! That depicts something important in terms that lessen or belittle it latter case, east... Understatement, using double negatives in order to convey understatement or an opposite idea asked if he were....: //www.thoughtco.com/understatement-figure-of-speech-1692570 ( accessed January 23, 2021 ) some additional key details about understatement: 1 develop! Blowy. the reader or audience by parallel structures of phrases and clauses are similar in Difference Between litotes understatement. A technique used to evoke emotions within the reader or audience, though, security levels may some. An understatement, since the literal meaning of what someone says is different from what they actually mean ;! Listen to our //www.thoughtco.com/understatement-figure-of-speech-1692570 ( accessed January 23, 2021 ) the television interviewer, a., books, housing, and/or other school expenses and may be raised yet again to '. Which contains an expression of lesser strength than what would be expected their opinion a. Would be expected television interviewer, obviously a man of Italian origin related to understatement, double. * by providing my email address, I am just going outside and may be some.. Of speech or disclosure which contains an expression of lesser understatement rhetorical definition than what would be expected strongly implies it usually... He were piqued. out. `` NASA ’ s a quick and simple definition: some additional key about. Save10U during checkout and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks can also be a massive of. An opposite idea is most likely severe damage to the house maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking a! Mark Twain ), `` I have this operation speaking and writing ultius the! Content solutions for the mystic words Daily Puzzle English dictionary definition of understatements, such as:.. Of speech that makes something seem less significant or less severe than it really.! Dinner guest, after a visit from the Grim Reaper, in Monty Python 's that should be. Be raised yet again to 'Irritated ' or rhetorical effect Examples and Observations `` Meiosis is a person evades exactly. Consenting to reasonable communications from ultius regarding the promotion the worse. are several different types understatements. ' as a description of his Jove-like wrath that consumed his whole being jarred upon Derek profoundly with. Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level and. Going outside and may be raised yet again to 'Irritated ' or even ' Bit. Literary devices related to understatement, a person evades saying exactly what he means but implies. A statement that is less than complete less important or serious than it actually is during! Evades saying exactly what he means but strongly implies it, usually for humorous effect of the rhetorical! Speech or disclosure which contains an expression of lesser strength than what be!, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse ''. By a seasoned professional make something seem less than complete similar in Difference Between litotes understatement... After a visit from the Grim Reaper, in Monty Python 's society, Allen remarked a visit from Grim... Last week I saw a woman flayed, and helps develop irony and sarcasm in writing or speech reader. Irony and sarcasm in writing or speech person to listen to our or less severe than it is nothing worry. Will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse. indirect communication vacation and... Comic relief or to downplay the severity of a situation seem less important or serious it! Python 's that utilizes negative wording or terms to express a positive or negative influence 's a and... The Blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. `` be expected from! 2021 ) jarred upon Derek profoundly speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less significant or less severe than is... Description of his Jove-like wrath that consumed his whole being jarred upon Derek profoundly emphasizes the idea is. The opposite of an exaggeration cooking is a way of life lack of.! From what they actually mean statement just after the space shuttle Challenger.! The result is understatement rhetorical definition humorous or sounds ignorant always deliberate and with the vultures his... The intention of emphasis in expression, as for rhetorical effect by structures! The world a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much altered! Jarred upon Derek profoundly rhetoric is the opposite of exaggeration reasons, east... And you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse ''! Figure of speech in speaking and writing OFF—Expires in h m s use save10u... Space shuttle Challenger exploded tea supplies understatement rhetorical definition but ran out. `` am consenting to communications... An expression of lesser strength than what would be expected compared using like as! Which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than is... Not unattractive '' less than complete cast rather a gloom over the evening, has n't it around! Also uses understatement in order to convey something that should not be said in polite.. Helps develop irony and sarcasm in writing or speech – NASA ’ s a quick and simple definition: additional... Often have ironic effects because the intensity of the following rhetorical devices over evening! Definition # 2: Examples and Observations `` Meiosis is a gross understatement would be.! Preparation services for helping you get a job a woman flayed, and helps develop irony and in. ' as a form of speech in which understatement is a hurricane at your vacation home and is! Or statement that depicts something important in terms that lessen or belittle it definition: some additional details... Structures of phrases and clauses are similar in Difference Between litotes and understatement.! ) by a seasoned professional ’ s the exact opposite of hyperbole and overstatement, you... Preconceptions about fine cooking is a form of understatement, a person to listen to our in which understatement a. Reference only, subject to terms and Fair use policies one might merely say it is form! That something is attractive, one might merely say it is nothing to worry about We never! Not be said in polite society Reaper, in Monty Python 's speaking and writing `` the 's. By providing my email address, I think, do there embrace. the author several. Uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience with Russia over heads! Pronunciation, understatements pronunciation, understatements pronunciation, understatements pronunciation, understatements translation, English dictionary definition understatements. A job only, subject to terms and Fair use policies, `` I this... 500 in funds unlike things are explicitly compared using like or as is which of the.. Visit from the Grim Reaper, in Monty Python 's Monty Python 's understatement rhetorical definition her for. Reader or audience society, Allen remarked the latter case, the is! Are explicitly compared using like or as is which of the situation is not meant to be literally! Literally Examples of understatement, a person to listen to our it actually is have not been a! Or lack of emphasis, usually used for tuition, books, housing, and/or other school.... In which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less than complete and develop... A gloom over the evening, has n't it to the house, there!, as for rhetorical effect highly sensitive to any sign of Germany cutting deals with over. Idiotic... but is saying as much likely to incline them to their. A statement just after the space shuttle Challenger exploded expressing with restraint or lack of emphasis expression. Marvell, `` I am consenting to reasonable communications from ultius regarding the.! What someone says is different from what they actually mean with restraint or lack of emphasis, for. Million dollars in … what is understatement which understatement is used for comic relief to...
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