In the paragraph, understatement is used when Elizabeth employs language that downplays the significance or severity of a situation. For instance, referring to the minister's actions as a "scandal" suggests a much more serious implication, but calling it such might minimize the true nature of the wrongdoing. Similarly, describing the black veil as an "innocent sorrow" could suggest that there is little weight to the sadness it represents, despite potentially being much more profound. Using the word "whispers" to describe the congregation's assumptions implies a light and inconsequential nature to their gossip, which may not reflect how damaging these assumptions could be. Finally, labeling the minister's role as a "holy office" underplays the complexity and possible failings of that role in the face of his actions. Overall, these examples illustrate how understatement can serve to contrast the actual gravity of a matter with the language used to describe it.
How is understatement used in this paragraph?
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Elizabeth's use of the word "scandal" to describe the minister's actions is an example of understatement.
Elizabeth's description of the black veil as an "innocent sorrow" is an example of understatement.
Elizabeth's use of the word "whispers" to describe the congregation's assumptions about the black veil is an example of understatement.
Elizabeth's description of the minister's
• role in the congregation as a "holy office" is an example of understatement.
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