Definition
低估 (dī gū) means 'to underestimate' — to judge something as smaller, less important, or weaker than it really is. It focuses on miscalculation; 小看 (xiǎo kàn) also means 'underestimate' but carries a tone of looking down on someone with slight disrespect, while 贬低 (biǎn dī) is 'to belittle' — actively disparaging or devaluing someone. Use 低估 for honest underestimation of difficulty/cost/ability.
verb
to underestimateto underrate
Easily confused
- 低谷dī gǔsound-alikelow point, trough, nadir (figurative, of a cycle or situation)
- 嘀咕dí gusound-aliketo mutter, to mumble (to oneself)
Examples
- 低估。Bú yào dī gū duìshǒu de shílì.Don't underestimate the opponent's strength.
- 低估。Zhè cì lǚxíng de yùsuàn bèi dī gū le.The budget for this trip was underestimated.
- 低估。Tā dī gū le wèntí de fùzáxìng.He underestimated the complexity of the problem.
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