"understatement"的定义和意义

What is an "understatement"?

Understatement is a literary device where a writer or speaker intentionally minimizes the importance or extent of something to create a particular effect, often for irony or humor. This technique involves presenting something as less important or severe than it actually is. For example, saying "It is just a scratch" to describe a deep wound is an understatement that reduces the severity of the injury. Understatement can help to highlight the contrast between the actual situation and the presented description, often adding a layer of irony or emphasis.