Understatement is a mode or figure of speech that describes something in a way that reduces its importance and may make it seem less important or serious than it actually is. Understatement is the opposite of overstatement or hyperbole, and its conscious use to craft an effect in literature or speech is also described as litotes.
For instance, the title of Aimee Nezhukumatathil's poem, “The Woman Who Turned Down a Date with a Cherry Farmer,” is an example of understatement. The title implies a simple action of turning down a date, but the poem delves into the complexities of this decision and reflects on the nuances of human relationships, desire, and the paths not taken.