NIEDOMÓWIENIE W TYTUŁACH INTERNETOWYCH ARTYKUŁÓW PRASOWYCH
UNDERSTATEMENT IN THE TITLES OF INTERNET PRESS ARTICLES

Summary/Abstract: Even a superficial scan of the titles of press articles published online supports the statement that they often include rhetorical devices. An example of such a device is understatement. In this paper, I attempt to briefly characterise understatement, to present similar devices, and to analyse selected examples of its use in the titles of Internet press articles in terms of their content and probable effects. The analysis leads to the observation that understatement is commonly and intentionally used in the titles of Internet press articles as a rhetorical means of influence to attract attention. Overall, the paper tentatively suggests the importance of sensitivity to rhetorical means of influence, such as understatement, to preserve autonomy in forming judgments and making decisions.

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