What is an understatement?

An understatement is a figure of speech that intentionally represents something as being less important or less serious than it actually is. It is often used for comedic effect or to downplay the severity of a situation. Understatements can be found in literature, in everyday speech, and in various forms of media. In some cases, understatement can also be used as a form of verbal irony, where the speaker means the opposite of what they are saying. Overall, understatement is a versatile rhetorical device that adds nuance and humor to communication.