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downplay
/ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ/
to minimize the importance of something
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.
informal
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
downplay the importanceto make something seem less importantdownplay the significanceto make something seem less significantdownplay the impactto make the effects of something seem less severe
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.
Word Breakdown
down
to reduce or lower
prefixplay
to perform or act
rootEnglish Dictionary