Downplay

usgb/ˌdaʊnˈpleɪ/
verb

To make something seem less important, serious, or negative than it really is.

The company tried to downplay the effects of the accident on their reputation.
Visual representation of "downplay" - To make something seem less important, serious, or negative than it really is.

Often appears as...

  • downplay the importance
  • downplay the role
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "downplay"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Understated Tone

Use 'downplay' for conveying a softer or less alarming tone about issues that might be significant.

Illustration for Understated Tone
They downplayed the financial losses to avoid panic among investors.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potentially Negative

'Downplay' often hints the speaker might be intentionally misleading or hiding the full truth.

Illustration for Potentially Negative
The politician downplayed his role in the scandal, which made the public suspicious.
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Subjectivity Involved

The use of 'downplay' suggests a subjective perspective; what is downplayed may indeed be important.

Illustration for Subjectivity Involved
She downplayed her achievements, but everyone knew she was essential to the project's success.
Word comparison image

Compare with

belittledepreciatediminishdisparageminimizeplay downunderstateundervalue
Visual representation of the word "Downplay"

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