Definition

To respond to a situation or event with less emotion or intensity than is expected or appropriate.

Example

She tended to underreact to stressful situations, which sometimes worried her friends.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was surprised by how he underreacted to the news.

Yeah, I expected him to be more excited about it.

Right? It was such a big opportunity for him.

Maybe he just handles things differently than we do.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underreact → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficiently) and "react" (from Latin "reactare", meaning to act in response). The word "underreact" means to respond insufficiently or inadequately to a situation.

Memory Tip

Think of responding 'insufficiently' ('under-') to something that requires a reaction ('react').

Visually Confused Words