understated

adjective
UK: /ˌʌndəˈsteɪtɪd/
US: /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtɪd/

  1. Presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way; not obvious or flamboyant.

    1. Her dress was elegant and understated.
    2. The room had an understated elegance that I really liked because it wasn't too much.

  2. Represented as less significant than it actually is; deliberately downplayed.

    1. The report understated the severity of the problem.
    2. To say that he was disappointed is an understatement; actually, he was devastated, but remained understated.

Synonyms

subtle restrained low-key muted
understated verb

  1. To present or describe something in a restrained or subtle way; to downplay its significance.

    1. He understated his role in the project.
    2. The article understated the impact the new law would have on small businesses and individual liberties.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "understated" in English means: Presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way; not obvious or flamboyant., Represented as less significant than it actually is; deliberately downplayed..

The phonetic transcription of "understated" is /ˌʌndəˈsteɪtɪd/ in British English and /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtɪd/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "understated": subtle, restrained, low-key, muted.

Example usage of "understated": "Her dress was elegant and understated.". More examples on the page.