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play downto make something seem less important or serious than it really is

Part of speech: VERB

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

Pronunciation (IPA): /pleɪ daʊn/

Example Sentences

  • My mom tried to play down my terrible cooking by saying 'It's... interesting!'
  • The politician played down the scandal during the press conference.
  • Don't play down your achievements - getting into that university is amazing!

play down

VERB

[/pleɪ daʊn/]

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

to make something seem less important or serious than it really is
💡 Concept

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

He tries to play down the crisis, but profits lay way down!
🎵 Rhyme

He tries to play down the crisis, but profits lay way down!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/pleɪ daʊn/
🇬🇧 UK/pleɪ daʊn/

🌳Etymology

Rootplay
Suffix-down

🎵Rhyme

lay downway downsay down
lay down
way down
say down

🔗Collocations

play down concerns
play down the importance
play down the risks
play down criticism
play down expectations
play down rumors

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My mom tried to play down my terrible cooking by saying 'It's... interesting!'

The politician played down the scandal during the press conference.

Don't play down your achievements - getting into that university is amazing!

😄 Fun example

He always plays down his wealth, but we all saw his golden toilet on Instagram.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

minimizedownplayunderstatediminishbelittle

Antonyms

exaggerateemphasizehighlight

Related

underestimatetrivializedismiss

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