hypobole

(noun) The opposite of hyperbole. A gross under-exaggeration that can't possibly be true.

a hypobole: I think I scored a negative 55 on that geography quiz.

by Jonah Ptak December 02, 2007

hypobole

As opposed to "hyperbole," "hypobole" is an understatement.

Student's Poem: "Superman is okay."
Teacher: "You just used the literary device of hypobole."

by J Harding May 13, 2004

hypobole

see: the opposite of hyperbole.

the only thing i could use to describe the way michigan played today is absurd hypobole

by Jsamesio November 24, 2004

Hypobole

A drastic understatement. The opposite of hyperbole.

To say that the weather in Los Angeles "isn't bad" is hypobole.

by Jamin' September 12, 2005

Hypobole

The opposite of hyperbole; an understatement.

Tucker, an excellent liar, claimed that he was "decent" at Werewolf. Alex was quick to point out his hypobole to the new players.

by Tree Climbing Associates, Inc. September 16, 2017

Hypobole

Underexageration to emphasize the unimportance of something, ie. an amount of time, an amount of money, etc.

Friend: "sorry I'm late, how long have you been waiting?"

Me: (thinks to self) "I have been waiting here longer than I wanted to, but it's fine so I'll use hypobole to emphasize the unimportance of his lateness."
Me: (Speaks) "No, only about a minute."

by BallZachBall December 04, 2023