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understate

 - 2 dictionary results

un⋅der⋅state

  [uhn-der-steyt]
Use understate in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -stat⋅ed, -stat⋅ing.
to state or represent less strongly or strikingly than the facts would bear out; set forth in restrained, moderate, or weak terms: The casualty lists understate the extent of the disaster.
Origin:
1815–25; under- + state

Related forms:
un⋅der⋅state⋅ment  [uhn-der-steyt-muhnt, uhn-der-steyt-] noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To understate
un·der·state   (ŭn'dər-stāt')   
v.   un·der·stat·ed, un·der·stat·ing, un·der·states

v.   tr.

  1. To state with less completeness or truth than seems warranted by the facts.

  2. To express with restraint or lack of emphasis, especially ironically or for rhetorical effect.

  3. To state (a quantity, for example) that is too low: understate corporate financial worth.

v.   intr.
To give an understatement.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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