subestimar
underestimate
Pensar que algo o alguien vale menos, puede menos o es menos importante de lo que en realidad es.
Definition & meaning
Subestimar means to underestimate: to judge someone or something as less capable, important, valuable, or significant than they really are.
- No subestimes su capacidad. — Don’t underestimate their ability.
- Subestimaron el costo del proyecto. — They underestimated the cost of the project.
Grammar & Word origin
Subestimar is a regular -ar verb. It can refer to underestimating a person, a quality, an amount, or a situation.
It is formed from the prefix sub-, meaning “below” or “less than,” and estimar , “to estimate” or “to value.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- infravalorar — to undervalue; emphasizes assigning too little value or importance.
- menospreciar — to belittle or look down on; often implies contempt, which subestimar does not necessarily imply.
Antonyms
- sobreestimar — to overestimate; to judge something as greater than it really is.
- valorar — to value or appreciate; it can contrast with subestimar when the issue is failing to recognize someone’s worth.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Nunca debes subestimar tus propias capacidades.verb
You should never underestimate your own abilities.
Es malo subestimar el esfuerzo de los demás.verb
It is bad to underestimate the effort of others.
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