Understated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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understated

[หŒสŒndษ™rหˆsteษชtษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

style

Presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way, not obvious or showy.

Synonyms

low-key, modest, muted, restrained, subtle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
understated

Used to describe something that is done in a simple but attractive way, often without drawing too much attention.

  • Her understated elegance was truly impressive; The restaurant's dรฉcor is understated, yet very inviting
subtle

Describes something that is delicate or not obvious; often used for nuances in communication, art, or flavors.

  • The perfume has a subtle hint of vanilla; There was a subtle difference between the two shades of blue
modest

Describes someone or something that does not boast about abilities or achievements; also implies simplicity and moderation.

  • She gave a modest response when praised for her work; The house is modest but very comfortable
restrained

Indicates self-control or holding back emotions, actions, or behaviors; often used in formal or professional settings.

  • She gave a restrained smile during the meeting; His restrained demeanor made him seem very professional
low-key

Refers to something that is not intense, loud, or showy; often used to describe events or personalities that are calm and relaxed.

  • We had a low-key celebration for her birthday; He prefers a low-key atmosphere at work
muted

Used to describe colors, sounds, or reactions that are less intense or loud; often implies a reduction in vibrancy or intensity.

  • The muted tones of the painting create a calming effect; His muted reaction showed he wasn't very excited

Examples of usage

  • Her outfit was understated yet elegant.
  • He had an understated manner that made people feel comfortable around him.
Context #2 | Verb

communication

To express or represent something in a subtle or modest way.

Synonyms

diminish, downplay, minimize, play down, soft-pedal.

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Word Description / Examples
understated

This word is often used when referring to something that is subtle, not flashy, or not exaggerated. It is generally neutral or even positive in tone.

  • Her elegant, understated dress was simple but beautiful
  • His humor is understated, often making people smile without loud laughter
downplay

Used when someone is trying to make something seem less significant than it actually is. It can carry a negative tone, implying that the person is being deceptive or not fully truthful.

  • She tried to downplay her role in the project, even though she was the lead developer
  • The company attempted to downplay the risks associated with their new product
minimize

Commonly used when someone wants to reduce the importance or consequences of something. It can be neutral but often has a negative undertone.

  • He tried to minimize the damage by fixing the error quickly
  • They minimized their involvement in the scandal
diminish

This word is used when talking about making something appear smaller or less important. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • The constant criticism began to diminish his confidence
  • Over time, the value of the currency was diminished by inflation
soft-pedal

This term is used when someone is trying to make something seem less forceful or intense. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • The coach tried to soft-pedal the team's losses in his interview
  • She didn't want to alarm anyone, so she soft-pedaled the seriousness of the issue
play down

Similar to 'downplay,' this phrase is used when someone is trying to make an issue seem less important. It often implies avoidance or denial and can be negative.

  • The politician tried to play down the controversy surrounding his campaign
  • Experts warn not to play down the importance of cybersecurity

Examples of usage

  • She understated her achievements during the interview.
  • He tends to understated his influence in the project.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • In art, understated designs often emphasize simplicity and elegance, relying on minimalism to communicate depth.
  • Many famous artists, like Mark Rothko, used understated color palettes to evoke emotion without over-explaining.

Fashion

  • Understated fashion refers to simple, elegant styles that do not flaunt wealth or status, focusing instead on quality and fit.
  • Iconic figures such as Coco Chanel believed in the power of understated elegance, which influenced modern fashion deeply.

Communication

  • Understated communication can convey confidence; speaking softly can make a strong statement without being aggressive.
  • Writers often use understatement as a literary device to create humor or emphasize a point by downplaying it.

Psychology

  • People who exhibit understated behavior might be perceived as more approachable and relatable compared to those who are overly ostentatious.
  • This style can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections, as it fosters an environment where real conversations can happen.

Origin of 'understated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'under-', meaning below or beneath, and 'state', which means to express or say something.
  • It has been used in English since the 19th century to describe a style or tone that is not overly flamboyant.

The word 'understated' originated from the verb 'understate', which first appeared in the early 17th century. It combines the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' or 'less than' with the verb 'state', indicating to express in words. Over time, 'understated' has evolved to describe something subtle, modest, or not exaggerated. The term is commonly used in fashion, design, and communication to convey a sense of sophistication and elegance.


See also: instatement, interstate, misstate, overstate, overstated, overstatement, reinstate, restate, restatement, stated, stately, statement, statements, stateroom, statesman, understate, unstated.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,957, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.