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understate

   Also found in: Encyclopedia 0.04 sec.
un·der·state  (ndr-stt)
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.

understate
Verb
[-stating, -stated]
1. to describe or portray something in restrained terms, often to obtain an ironic effect
2. to state that something, such as a number, is less than it is
understatement n
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Verb1.understate - represent as less significant or important
inform - impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to; "I informed him of his rights"
trivialise, trivialize - make trivial or insignificant; "Don't trivialize the seriousness of the issue!"
exaggerate, hyperbolise, hyperbolize, overstate, amplify, magnify, overdraw - to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth; "tended to romanticize and exaggerate this `gracious Old South' imagery"
Translations
Spanish understate [ʌndəˈsteɪt] vtminimizar
French understate [ʌndəˈsteɪt] vtminimiser
German understate [ʌndəˈsteɪt] vtherunterspielen
Italian understate [ʌndəˈsteɪt] vtminimizzare, sminuire

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"No, sir, I do not exaggerate, I understate the matter, if anything, undoubtedly understate it; simply because I cannot express myself as I should like, but--"
 
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