# understated

/ˈəndɝˌsteɪtɪd/ (US) · /ˌʌndəstˈeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/understated
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. subtle and elegant

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

describes something that is attractive or high-quality but not flashy or loud.

For teachers: characterized by a deliberate lack of emphasis or decoration; restrained and unpretentious in style.

- She wore an understated gold necklace that looked very elegant with her black dress.
- The hotel's understated luxury appealed to wealthy travelers who preferred privacy and quiet sophistication over gold-plated displays of wealth.

## Examples

- She wore an understated black dress to the party.
- The hotel's understated elegance makes it a favorite for travelers who dislike flashy luxury.
- The actor's understated performance allowed the emotional weight of the script to shine through without the need for dramatic outbursts or grand gestures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.