 English understatement

English understatement is a rhetorical device or figure of speech in which a situation is presented as less significant or severe than it actually is. It involves downplaying the importance, seriousness, or intensity of something, often for effect. This technique can be used for various purposes, including humor, irony, or to convey modesty. For example, if someone were to say, “It’s just a scratch” when referring to a large dent in a car, that would be an understatement.