adjective
understated
uhn-duh-STAY-tihd
Understated (adjective) means Simple and restrained rather than showy or exaggerated. Example: “She wore an understated black dress to the gala.”
adjective
1
Simple and restrained rather than showy or exaggerated.
"She wore an understated black dress to the gala."
How to use understated
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishQuietly stylish or modest, in a way that avoids drawing too much attention.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
understated elegance
understated design
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more understated
- Superlative
- most understated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wore an _____ black dress to the gala.
Etymology
From under- plus stated.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for understated
See all rhymes for understated →Frequently asked questions
What does “understated” mean?
The word “understated” means simple and restrained rather than showy or exaggerated. In plain terms, quietly stylish or modest, in a way that avoids drawing too much attention.
How do you pronounce “understated”?
“Understated” is pronounced uhn-duh-STAY-tihd (/ʌndəˈsteɪtɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “understated” in a sentence?
Here is “understated” used in a sentence: “She wore an understated black dress to the gala.”
What part of speech is “understated”?
“Understated” is an adjective.
