Understatement - English meaning

noun

Fineness or intricacy of texture or structure.

Usage examples:

Miniature pearls of exquisite delicacy

noun

Something esp. rare or expensive that is good to eat

Usage examples:

A dinner of vietnamese delicacies, we need to discuss a matter of some delicacy.

noun

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.

Usage examples:

The jargon has given us ‘downsizing’ as a euphemism for cuts

noun

The use of a word or phrase to avoid saying another word or phrase that may be unpleasant or offensive, or the word or phrase used

Usage examples:

[ c ] the phrase “left to pursue other interests” is a euphemism for “fired.”, euphemistic words fo…

noun

Ironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary (e.g. i shan't be sorry for i shall be glad ).

noun

A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as in the production of gametes and plant spores.

Usage examples:

The sporophytes of green algae form spores only by meiosis

noun

The type of cell division in which one cell divides into four gametes (= male or female cells that join to form an organism), each with a different mixture of chromosomes (= cell structures) and half the number as were in the original cell

noun

The reduction of something, especially something undesirable, to the smallest possible amount or degree.

Usage examples:

More needs to be done to ensure harm minimization when it comes to drugs

noun

A reduction of something to the smallest possible level or amount

Usage examples:

The aim of these changes is the minimization of production costs., the report's minimization of hea…

verb

Retain for future use.

Usage examples:

Roll out half the dough and reserve the other half

noun

A supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required.

Usage examples:

Australia has major coal, gas, and uranium reserves

noun

A measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control.

Usage examples:

Decisions are made within the financial restraints of the budget

noun

The quality or state of being subtle.

Usage examples:

The textural subtlety of degas

noun

The quality or state of being subtle or hard to notice

Usage examples:

Her acting was full of subtlety., he’s baffled by the subtleties of modern life.

verb

Perform (something) in a restrained way.

Usage examples:

The violins underplayed the romantic element in the music

verb

Present participle of underplay

Usage examples:

While not wanting to underplay the seriousness of the situation, i have to say that it is not as ba…