Downplay: meaning, definitions and examples

🔻

Add to dictionary

downplay

[ ˈdaʊnpleɪ ]

^{Context #1}

in communication

To make something seem less important or serious than it really is, especially in order to avoid causing alarm or panic.

Synonyms

belittle, diminish, minimize, play down, understate

Examples of usage

He tried to downplay the significance of the issue.
She downplayed the impact of the new regulations on the company.
Don't downplay the importance of regular exercise for your health.
The government is accused of downplaying the environmental risks of the project.
I don't mean to downplay your concerns, but I think we can find a solution.

Translations

Translations of the word "downplay" in other languages:

🇵🇹 minimizar

🇮🇳 कम करके आँकना

🇩🇪 herunterspielen

🇮🇩 meremehkan

🇺🇦 применшувати

🇵🇱 bagatelizować

🇯🇵 軽視する (けいしする)

🇫🇷 minimiser

🇪🇸 minimizar

🇹🇷 küçümsemek

🇰🇷 축소하다

🇸🇦 يقلل من شأن

🇨🇿 bagatelizovat

🇸🇰 bagatelizovať

🇨🇳 淡化 (dànhuà)

🇸🇮 zmanjševati

🇮🇸 gera lítið úr

🇰🇿 маңызын төмендету

🇬🇪 უმნიშვნელოდ წარმოჩენა

🇦🇿 əhəmiyyətsizləşdirmək

🇲🇽 minimizar

Word origin

The term 'downplay' originated in the mid-20th century, combining 'down' and 'play'. It gained popularity in the context of public relations and communication strategies. The idea behind downplaying is to reduce the perceived importance or impact of a certain issue or event. By downplaying, individuals or organizations seek to manage expectations, control reactions, or avoid creating panic. Over time, 'downplay' has become a commonly used term in various fields, including politics, media, and everyday conversations.