downplay
She tried to downplay her role in the project's success.
She tried to make her role in the project's success seem less important than it was.
to make something seem less important or serious than it is
The company downplayed the impact of the data breach.
The company made the data breach seem less serious than it actually was.
He downplayed his achievements to appear humble.
He minimized his achievements to seem more modest.
Often used when someone wants to avoid drawing attention to something negative or to appear modest.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'downplay' when you want to describe someone making something seem less important or serious than it is.
Gold Rule
Avoid Misuse
Do not use 'downplay' to describe physical actions; it is always about perception or communication.
Word Origin
From 'down' (to reduce) + 'play' (to perform or act). The term suggests performing a role where something is made to seem smaller or less significant.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, often in situations where someone wants to avoid drawing attention to a negative aspect or to appear modest.