Comparison workshop

UnderstatementversusHyperboleWhat's the Difference?

The devices manipulate scale in opposite directions.

Read the pair

How They Differ

First idea

Understatement

Understatement deliberately presents reality as less significant or intense.

versus

Second idea

Hyperbole

Hyperbole deliberately overstates reality.

See the signal

Examples

Understatement

The collapsed roof is a slight inconvenience.

Hyperbole

This suitcase weighs a mountain.