underreact
|un/der/re/act|
B2
/ˌʌndərriˈækt/
respond less intensely
Etymology
Etymology Information
'underreact' originates from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' or 'less than' and the verb 'react' meaning 'to respond to a stimulus'.
Historical Evolution
'underreact' was formed by combining the prefix 'under-' with the verb 'react', a process common in English to create verbs indicating a lesser degree of action.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to respond less than expected', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to respond with less intensity or emotion than is appropriate or expected.
He tends to underreact in stressful situations.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41