understate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/
KK: /ʌndərˈsteɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To express something in a way that makes it seem less important or serious than it really is.
Example
He tends to understate his achievements, making them seem less impressive than they actually are.
Tense Forms
Past: understated
Past Participle: understated
Conversation
I think you might understate your achievements way too much.
Really? I just feel like I'm doing what anyone else would do.
But your work is impressive, you shouldn't sell yourself short.
I guess I just like to stay humble about it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
minimize
downplay
diminish
Antonyms
exaggerate
amplify
inflate
transitive verb
Definition
To say something in a way that makes it seem less important or serious than it really is.
Example
He tends to understate his achievements during interviews.
Tense Forms
Past: understated
Past Participle: understated
Conversation
Did you hear her presentation about the project?
Yeah, I thought she really managed to understate the challenges we faced.
I agree; it felt like she was downplaying everything.
Root Explanation
Understate → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or less than) and "state" (from Latin "stare", meaning to stand). The word means to present something as being less important or serious than it actually is, standing below the true significance.
Memory Tip
Think of presenting something as being 'less than' it really is ('under-') — that's why to understate means to minimize the importance.
Visually Confused Words
unstate
unmoderate
unidentate