| 释义 |
understated, ppl. a.
(stress variable)
[under-1 10 a. Cf. understate v.]
a. Stated below what is adequate or sufficient; that understates the truth.
1937E. Ambler Uncommon Danger xviii. 275 Zaleshoff gave a brief and, Kenton thought, grossly understated account of their night's adventure. 1978Language LIV. 158 This is most clearly exemplified in his chapter on social class and language, where he discusses criticisms of the work of Bernstein (under the somewhat understated subheading, ‘A small misunderstanding?’). 1982Barr & York Official Sloane Ranger Handbk. 10/2 The royal family are pretty good here with their understated asides about ‘living above the shop’ and ‘family business’.
b. Of clothes, appearance, etc.: unemphasized, modest; designed not to attract undue attention. Cf. quiet a. 2 b.
1957Punch 6 Feb. 224/1 The clothes..were in good taste, wearable and, to borrow a word much in vogue, understated—or, to use one's own word, dull. 1963Harper's Bazaar Feb. 41 Catching up with fashion..in this era of understated looks. 1967Mrs. L. B. Johnson White House Diary 8 Oct. (1970) 578, I changed again into another quiet understated outfit. 1979R. Jaffe Class Reunion (1980) 15 Emily had longed for a camel's hair coat like Daphne's—understated, sophisticated, collegiate.
Add: Hence (in sense b) underˈstatedly adv.
1972New Yorker 15 Apr. 114/3 A plain white cardigan..is made to be shrugged understatedly across the wearer's shoulders. 1984D. Francis Proof ii. 11 Jimmy was understatedly resplendent in thin fawn polo-necked sweater. |