Dictionary

understate

verb un·der·state \ˌən-dər-ˈstāt\

: to say that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is

Full Definition of UNDERSTATE

transitive verb
1
:  to represent as less than is the case <understate taxable income>
2
:  to state or present with restraint especially for effect
un·der·state·ment \-mənt\ noun
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First Known Use of UNDERSTATE

1824

Rhymes with UNDERSTATE

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