How to Pronounce "understatement"
word
/ˈəndɝˌsteɪtmənt/
UN-der-STAYT-muhnt
/ˌʌndəstˈeɪtmənt/
un-duh-STAYT-muhnt
Definition
An understatement is a way of saying something that makes it seem less important or serious than it actually is, often for effect or as a form of humor.
IPA Transcription
American English
/ˈəndɝˌsteɪtmənt/
British English
/ˌʌndəstˈeɪtmənt/
Simplified Pronunciation
US
UN-der-STAYT-muhnt
UK
un-duh-STAYT-muhnt
Listen in Context
Calling the huge storm 'a bit of rain' is an understatement.
Saying the test was 'not too hard' is an understatement if everyone failed.
To say the movie was 'okay' is an understatement if you really loved it.
It’s an understatement to say he was surprised—he was completely shocked!