understate

American  

[uhn-der-steyt] / ˌʌn dərˈsteɪt /

verb (used with object)

understated, understating

1. to state or represent less strongly or strikingly than the facts would bear out; set forth in restrained, moderate, or weak terms.

   The casualty lists understate the extent of the disaster.

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understate British  

/ ˌʌndəˈsteɪt /

verb

1. to state (something) in restrained terms, often to obtain an ironic effect

2. to state that (something, such as a number) is less than it is

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Other Word Forms

• understatement noun

Etymology

Origin of understate

First recorded in 1815–25; under- + state

Example Sentences

It is difficult to understate the importance of this shift.

From MarketWatch

Capital requirements rely heavily on risk weights and internal models that understate true exposure.

From Barron's

Ro, a natural storyteller who is both witty and engaging — and understatedly funny — eventually learned how to deal with those fears.

From Los Angeles Times

But in Emond’s experience, golfers tend to boast, while skiers are often understated.

From The Wall Street Journal

He told the BBC's Newscast: "I don't think you can understate how serious the situation and the peril is that the prime minister finds himself in."

From BBC

Related Words

• downplay
• lessen
• minimize
• underrate
• undervalue