English Explanatory Dictionary

understate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To state (something) with less completeness than needed; to minimise or downplay.
  2. To state (something) with an intentional lack of emphasis, in order to express irony.
  3. To state a quantity that is too low.

Pronunciation

/ʌndəˈsteɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-understate.wav

Word forms

understate understates understating understated

Etymology

From under- + state.

Synonyms

downplay trivialize bagatellize banalize belittle cut down de-emphasize denigrate degrade deprecate derogate disparage dispraise lilliputianize make little of make nothing of minimize play down set at nought superficialize underestimate underplay understate vilipend underrate misunderestimate sell short underapproximate underguess underjudge underreckon

Antonyms

overstate exaggerate big up cut it fat hyperbolize overcharge overdo overemphasize play up stretch three-sheet overapproximate overestimate overhold overrate overreckon overthink

Related words

understated understatement
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