Understate Meaning in English
word
ˈəndɝˌsteɪt
UN-der-STAYT
ˌʌndəstˈeɪt
un-duh-STAYT
Definition
To describe something as being less important, serious, or large than it really is.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and often used in news, analysis, and criticism. Common with words like 'seriously', 'greatly', or 'significantly': 'seriously understate'. Opposite of 'overstate'. Sometimes used to sound modest or careful.
Spanish: restar importancia - minimizarPortuguese (BR): minimizar - atenuarPortuguese (PT): minimizar - atenuarChinese (Simplified): 低估 - 轻描淡写Chinese (Traditional): 低估 - 輕描淡寫Hindi: कम आंकना - कम बतानाArabic: يُقلل من شأن - يستخفBengali: কম গুরুত্ব দেওয়া - খাটো করে দেখাRussian: преуменьшатьJapanese: 控えめに言う - 過小評価するVietnamese: xem nhẹ - đánh giá thấpKorean: 과소평가하다 - 축소해서 말하다Turkish: küçümsemek - olduğundan az göstermekUrdu: کم اہمیت دینا - کم کرکے بیان کرناIndonesian: meremehkan - mengecilkan
Example Sentences
He tends to understate his achievements at work.
basic
The report understates the cost of the project.
basic
It would be wrong to understate the risks involved.
basic
Saying the weather was 'bad' yesterday would really understate just how horrible it was.
natural
To call her just 'talented' would be to understate her abilities.
natural
I can't understate how much your support means to me.
natural