'She's not the most intelligent person in the world!'
What is 'understatement'?
Understatement is used when a speaker wants to a make a situation seem less strong or important than it is.
'How did you do on your test?'
'I did fantastic! I had the best result! I’m wonderful!'
Being polite using 'understatment'.
In spoken English we use understatement when we want to be tactful.
For example take a look at Bob…
How would you describe him? It’s not polite to call him 'fat'.
Here we can use 'understatement' to be polite.
Take a look at these set of expressions. All of these are ways we would use understatement to describe Bob.
- He's not the thinnest person in the world.
- He's a little on the big side.
- I wouldn’t say he was thin.
London is expensive: 'London is not the cheapest place in the world'.
Her new husband is old: 'He's a little on the old side'.
Modesty (noun): when someone does not talk about their good abilities and achievements. Positive meaning.
Boast (Verb/noun): when someone talks too proudly about their abilities or achievements. Negative meaning.
Tactful (adjective): careful not to say or do anything that could upset someone
Now think of some understatement sentences and add them to the 'Add new comment' below.
Link: 'How to express feelings'
Comments
Understatements
Good lesson. It wouldn't hurt to check it for typos before posting, though.
She is ugly: 'She would never win a beauty pageant'.
He can't sing: 'Fortunately, he only sings in the shower'.
Thanks
Great examples of understatement and thanks for pointing out the typos. Chris
Nice.
Nice lesson.
He is not fit to this project:'He will feel comfortable, if he shifts to some other simpler project than this one.' (tactful)
Understatement
It is very useful to me to understand the use of 'Understatement'.
I cannot lend you. :" I am not able help you this time."
You sould add this : " It will be nice if you add this."
Useful lesson
Realy this lesson is the most important. I like the Third one (Tactful) because we have many people if they said any oppinion for a person After second they change them oppinion..
I did't say you are the worst one in the class but you are
I love this Language. Anas Legend
Understatements
I wouln't say that he speaks English well. In fact he could say the only one word - "Hello".
It couldn't be called a tasteful dinner. The food was a little too salty.
It seems that the program might be a bit complicated to use.
Understatements - An important lesson
Ps.Try and place some exercise to this lesson
Your friend ask you after
Your friend ask you after watching a movie , which she invited you on: "So nice story,isn't it" The movie was boring and you answer" Yes it is, but a little long."
Your friend ask you after
Your friend ask you after watching a movie , which she invited you on: "So nice story,isn't it" The movie was boring and you answer" Yes it is, but a little long."
fatter than Olive
--She is not skinny, in fact, she is a bit fatter than Olive( Popeye's girl friend).
--I won't say he is boring, he is just emotionally unresponsive, or you can say he is introverted.
^_^ ok, I have to admit that the first one is actually rather sarcastic.
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Every witch has her own crystal ball.
these or this
"Take a look at these set expressions. All of these are ways we would use understatement to describe Bob." ─> "... at this set of expressions"
Understatement
A quick-tempered : He is in a hot mood.
A pride person: He has a very high self esteem or he sees himself above all.
A lazy person: He is kind of comfortably person.
?:(
It was rather difficult to understand. May be I AM STUPID - I don't know English well(understatment ?)