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downplayto make something seem less important or significant than it really is

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to make something seem less important or significant than it really is

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdaʊnpleɪ/

Korean meaning: ~을 축소하다, 경시하다, 대수롭지 않게 여기다

Korean pronunciation: **다운**플레이

Example Sentences

  • My mom always downplays her cooking skills, but her kimchi could win a Nobel Prize.
  • The politician tried to downplay the scandal, calling it 'a minor misunderstanding'.
  • Don't downplay your achievements - getting into that university is a big deal!

downplay

VERB

//ˈdaʊnpleɪ//

to make something seem less important or significant than it really is

downplay concept
💡 Concept

a business person gestures dismissively with their hand while discussing a large impressive chart showing record-breaking sales numbers behind them. They wave their hand in a small, casual motion while speaking to seated colleagues around a conference table. The chart clearly displays dramatic upward trending lines and peak performance indicators that represent major success. However, the presenter's body language and facial expression suggest they are treating this major achievement as if it were routine or unimportant. The seated colleagues look puzzled and surprised by the casual treatment of such impressive results. someone making something seem less important or significant than it really is

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈdaʊnpleɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈdaʊnpleɪ/

🌳Etymology

Prefixdown--
Rootplay

Origin

Modern English compound word formed from 'down' (meaning lower or reduce) and 'play' (meaning to perform or act). The combination suggests 'playing something down' or performing it at a reduced level of importance.

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🎵Rhyme

displayreplayscreenplay
display
replay
screenplay

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📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My mom always downplays her cooking skills, but her kimchi could win a Nobel Prize.

The politician tried to downplay the scandal, calling it 'a minor misunderstanding'.

Don't downplay your achievements - getting into that university is a big deal!

😄 Fun example

The weather forecast downplayed the storm, so I went out with just an umbrella and got completely soaked.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

minimizeunderstatebelittlediminishtrivialize

Antonyms

exaggerateemphasizehighlight

Related

underestimatedismissoverlookdeflate