2. Understatement
u An understatement is a figure of speech employed by
writers or speakers to intentionally make a situation seem
less important than it really is.
u An understatement usually has an ironic effect, as an equally
intense response is expected in severe situations, but the
statement in response is the opposite of what was expected.
u For instance, your friend returns your new coat with a large
wine stain on the front of it. In response, you make an
understatement, “It doesn’t look too bad.” Therefore, an
understatement is opposite to another figure of
speech, hyperbole, which is an overstatement.
3. Examples
u Deserts are sometimes hot, dry, and sandy.” – Describing deserts of the world.
u “He is not too thin.” – Describing an obese person.
u “It rained a bit more than usual.” – Describing an area being flooded by
heavy rainfall.
u “It was O.K.” – Said by the student who got the highest score on the test.
u “It is a bit nippy today.” – Describing the temperature, which is 5 degrees
below freezing.
4. Types of Understatement
1. Comedic: This type of understatement adds humor to an otherwise serious situation.
For example, there is a hurricane at your vacation home and there is most likely
severe damage to the house. You say, "At least the plants will get watered."
2. Modest: This type of understatement is used instead of bragging or boasting about
something. For example, winning your first trophy and saying it was "not a big deal"
when it really was a big deal.
3. Polite: This type of understatement can be used in difficult situations when you may
disagree with someone's opinion but still want to remain polite. For example, when
talking politics and you and a friend are on completely opposite sides, but you simply
say, "I think our opinions are slightly different on this matter." Or, if someone asks you
to describe someone who is very short, you say, "Well, he's not tall."
5. Understatement in Songs
You can often find the use of understatements in songs. Artists use understatements to make
light of a situation or for rhetorical or ironic effect.
1. "It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine." - REM, "It's the End of the World
as We Know It"
2. "I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell." - Matchbox Twenty, "I'm Not Crazy"
3. "Through it all, just one thing died, A little thing called love, something deep inside." - Frank
Sinatra, "You and Me (We Wanted It All)"
4. "I ain't blue, baby, Just a little bit lonesome for some lovin', Everything is fine, Just don't
want to be all by myself." - Bonnie Raitt, "I Ain't Blue"
7. Practice 1: Everyday Understatements
1. You just hit the biggest lottery of all time! An understatement would be: "I'm kind of excited." (Modest)
2. You are out to dinner with a friend who spills food down the front of her white shirt. An understatement would be:
"Really, it's hardly noticeable." (Polite)
3. You get the highest grade in class. An understatement would be: "I did OK on that test." (Modest)
4. You scrape the entire side of your car. An understatement would be: "It is only a small scratch." (Comedic)
5. Describing a huge storm overnight, an understatement would be: "Looks like it rained a bit last night." (Comedic)
6. You just had to work a double shift. An understatement would be: "I just need to rest my eyes for a minute." (Comedic)
7. Your team wins the biggest game of the season. An understatement would be: "Yeah, we played pretty well today."
(Modest)
8. On the coldest day of the year with record low temperatures an understatement would be: "I might need a jacket
today." (Comedic)
9. Your friend invites you over to see their new fixer-upper. You are shocked at the poor condition of the house. An
understatement would be: "Oh, it will need some fresh paint" (Polite)
10. A person flips out in anger over a hockey game on television and breaks their TV. An understatement would be: "I have
a little bit of a temper." (Comedic)
11. You land your dream job after endless interviews and get offered a generous salary with lots of benefits. An
understatement would be: "I am pretty happy with my new job offer." (Modest)
12. Referring to Oprah Winfrey, an understatement would be: "She has some money." (Comedic)
9. Group Task
u Identify a current event or social issue
you feel strongly about.
u Post a photo of the issue and the
understatement on Blackboard.
u Argue how a politician’s
understatement concerning the topic
could either make matters worse or help
rally more support for the issue.
u Your presentation should follow below.
u Present the issue
u Clearly state your opinion.
u Supporting details: Give at least 3.
u Counter argument
u Rebuttal
u Closing
Presentations on Thursday.
