Understated Meaning
/ʌndəˈsteɪtɪd/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjRestrained and unpretentious.
verbsimple past and past participle of understate
Sentence Examples
Her dress has an understated charm.
Algeria's economic progress cannot be understated.
CEFR Practice Quiz
His elegant suit was very ____, with no logos or bright colors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She chose a very ____ outfit for the event, preferring to look elegant without drawing too much attention today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₁én Proto-Indo-European *h₁entér Proto-Indo-European *(H)n̥dʰí Proto-Indo-European *-ér Proto-Indo-European *(H)n̥dʰér Proto-Germanic *under Proto-West Germanic *undar Old English under- Middle English under- English under- English stated English understated From under- + stated.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"In contrast to the ETR220's understated green and grey livery, the Swedish train's livery is startling "Paprika" red with white stripes."
— 1961 January, “The latest in Continental electric multiple-units and their operation”, in Trains Illustrated, page 47:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His elegant suit was very ____, with no logos or bright colors.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She chose a very ____ outfit for the event, preferring to look elegant without drawing too much attention today.