understate

Meaning

To represent something as being less important, serious, or large than it really is.

Examples

• He tended to understate his achievements, even though he had worked incredibly hard.
• The report deliberately understated the risks involved in the project.

Pronunciation: /ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/

How to Use understate

understate something (prepositional phrase)

To represent a fact or situation as less significant than it is. — "He tends to understate his own importance in the company."

understate the case (idiom)

To say less than is true or appropriate, often for emphasis. — "Calling that disaster a 'hiccup' would be to understate the case."

Synonyms of understate

Words with a similar meaning to understate:

• downplay
• minimize
• belittle
• discount

Antonyms of understate

Words with the opposite meaning to understate:

• overstate
• exaggerate