Understate
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ʌndəˈsteɪt/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Understate is a verb meaning (transitive) To state (something) with less completeness than needed; to minimise or downplay.
Meaning
(transitive) To state (something) with less completeness than needed; to minimise or downplay.
More Meanings
- (transitive) To state (something) with an intentional lack of emphasis, in order to express irony.
- To state a quantity that is too low.
Example Sentences
The company had been understating its liabilities for years.
She is the queen of understatement: she understated her critique masterfully.
To call this decision a calculated bet understates the risk; it is a Hail Mary pass.
Word Forms
- understates
- understating
- understated
Synonyms for understate
Depending on context, synonyms include downplay, trivialize, bagatellize, banalize, belittle, cut down.
Antonyms for understate
Common opposites include overstate, exaggerate, hyperbolize, overcharge, overdo, overemphasize.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include minimize, undervalue, underrate, underestimate, downplay, belittle.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.