Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

understate

verb
/ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/
Definition
To describe or present something as being smaller or less important than it really is.
Examples
  • She tends to understate her achievements during interviews.
  • It’s easy to understate the impact of climate change on our planet.
  • He tried to understate the project’s difficulties in order to keep the team motivated.
Meaning
To minimize the importance or significance of something.
Synonyms
  • downplay
  • minimize
  • belittle
  • diminish
  • soft-pedal