understate

[uhn-der-steyt]

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.

understate

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• understatement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of understate¹

First recorded in 1815–25; under- + state

Example Sentences

The most understated Dodger hit, possibly the most understated World Series Game 7 game-winning home run ever, an 11th inning drive that cannot be overstated for one reason.

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Her understated androgyny was paired with a shout-singing vocal style that had a snarly, monotone curl laced with abandon and disregard for convention.

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He contends this understated Deutsche Bank’s leverage by over €200 billion last year.

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Flanker Guy Pepper has taken his own shot with four starts of understated excellence this autumn.

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“Even as it understates the case, the report confirms the district court’s decision that our government should be providing housing for all veterans so they can access desperately needed medical services,” Rosenbaum said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• downplay 
• lessen 
• minimize 
• underrate 
• undervalue