underrate
UK: ˌʌndəˈreɪt | US: ˌʌndərˈreɪt
vt. to underestimate the value, ability, or importance of someone or something
The word "underrate" combines the prefix "under-" (from Old English "under," meaning "below" or "less than") with the verb "rate" (from Old French "rater," meaning "to estimate or evaluate"). The fusion reflects the idea of assigning a value lower than the true worth. This logical construction aligns with other "under-" prefixed words (e.g., "undervalue," "underestimate"), emphasizing insufficient recognition.
Many critics underrate her talent as a songwriter.
It’s easy to underrate the difficulty of learning a new language.
Never underrate your opponent in a competition.
The team’s performance was underrated due to their lack of publicity.
Historians often underrate the impact of this event on modern politics.