understated

IPA/ˌʌndəˈsteɪtɪd/
KK[ˈʌndɚstˌetɪd]IPA/ˌʌndərˈsteɪtɪd/

understated — adjective

  • understatedpositive
  • more understatedcomparative
  • most understatedsuperlative

1. deliberately simple, quiet, or restrained in style so that something is attracti

1.形容詞B2
釋義

deliberately simple, quiet, or restrained in style so that something is attractive without being obvious or calling attention to itself — for example, a room decorated in soft neutral colours, or a performer who moves the audience with small, natural gestures rather than big dramatic ones.

例句

The hotel lobby was decorated in an understated style, with pale wood and soft lighting.

attributive position: understated + style/design/elegance

For the awards ceremony, Dario chose an understated gray suit instead of anything flashy.

同義詞
  • subtle

    focuses on being delicate and not obvious; 'subtle' is broader and can describe flavours, smells, or differences, while 'understated' mainly describes a deliberate stylistic choice

  • restrained

    emphasises the absence of excess or exaggeration; slightly more formal than 'understated'

  • unassuming

    describes a person or thing that does not try to draw attention; more personal and humble in tone

  • low-key

    informal synonym; 'a low-key wedding' suggests a relaxed, small event rather than a subtle aesthetic

反義詞
  • flashy

    loudly noticeable in a way that is meant to impress; the direct opposite in fashion and design contexts

  • ostentatious

    more formal than 'flashy'; describes something deliberately showy to attract attention or display wealth

  • overstated

    the most direct antonym; made to seem more important or noticeable than it really is

文法句型

understated + noun

be + understated

用法筆記

Frequently used to describe design, fashion, architecture, performance, writing, or behaviour. The opposite concept is 'overstated' or 'flashy'. Can appear both before a noun (attributive: 'an understated dress') and after a linking verb (predicative: 'her style is understated').

常見錯誤

❌The party decorations were very understated, with neon banners and loud music.
✅The party decorations were very understated, with white flowers and soft candlelight.
💡understated describes something quiet and simple; bright, loud elements are the opposite.
❌I understated the cost of the project.' (confusing with the verb 'understate').
✅The design of the building is understated.
💡'understated' as an adjective describes a restrained style; 'understate' as a verb means to say something is smaller or less important than it is.