understated
|un/der/stat/ed|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈsteɪtɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈsteɪtɪd/
(understate)
subtle expression
Etymology
Etymology Information
'understate' originates from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' and the verb 'state' meaning 'to express'.
Historical Evolution
'understate' evolved from the combination of 'under-' and 'state' in Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to express something below its actual value', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'understate'.
He understated the impact of the new policy.
Adjective 1
described or expressed in a subtle and restrained way.
Her understated elegance was admired by everyone.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35