Downplay: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want to make something seem less important or serious than it really is.

• She tried to downplay the significance of her promotion
• The media tends to downplay positive news

Used when you want to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or level, or make it seem less important.

• She tried to minimize her involvement in the scandal
• We need to minimize the risks of this project

Used when you describe something in a way that makes it seem less important or serious than it is.

• To say she was upset would be an understatement
• The report understated the environmental impact of the project

Used when you want to make something seem less important or serious, similar to 'downplay'.

• He played down the accident as a minor incident
• They tend to play down the challenges they face

Used when you want to express disrespect or to make someone or something seem small or unimportant. It has a negative connotation.

• He always belittles her achievements
• Don't belittle your team members' contributions

Used when you want to express that something is being reduced in size, importance, or value.

• His influence has diminished over the years
• The passing of time did not diminish their love