How to pronounce understatement
Say it like UHN-der-stayt-munt. Understatement has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce understatement. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- stayt
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Understatement pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- staytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of understatement
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uhn-duh-STAYT-munt.
What does understatement mean?
- A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is, either through phrasing or lack of emphasis, often for ironic effect.“A master of understatement”
- An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis; an incomplete statement.“Now that's an understatement.”
- An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.
Where does understatement come from?
From under- + statement or understate + -ment.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying understatement
How do you pronounce understatement?
Say UHN-der-stayt-munt. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌsteɪtmənt/. In British English it is /ˌʌndəˈsteɪtmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in understatement?
Understatement has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · stayt · munt.
Is understatement pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌʌndəˈsteɪtmənt/ (uhn-duh-STAYT-munt).