Underplay: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ญ
underplay
[ หสndษrหpleษช ]
performing arts
To underplay means to present something in a less important or less dramatic manner than it deserves. In the context of acting, it refers to the technique of presenting a character's emotions or actions in a subdued way, allowing for more subtlety and realism. This method often contrasts with more exaggerated performances and can lead to a more nuanced understanding of a character's motivations. Underplaying can also apply to other contexts where an individual downplays their abilities or achievements.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The actor chose to underplay the emotional scenes for greater impact.
- She tends to underplay her contributions to the team.
- His performance was remarkable as he managed to underplay his character's despair.
Translations
Translations of the word "underplay" in other languages:
๐ต๐น minimizar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฎ เคฎเคนเคคเฅเคต เคฆเฅเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช untertreiben
๐ฎ๐ฉ mengabaikan
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะผะตะฝััะฒะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ bagatelizowaฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ้ๅฐ่ฉไพกใใ
๐ซ๐ท minimiser
๐ช๐ธ minimizar
๐น๐ท kรผรงรผmsemek
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ณผ์ํ๊ฐํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ูููู ู ู
๐จ๐ฟ zlehฤovat
๐ธ๐ฐ zmenลกovaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ไฝไผฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ podcenjevati
๐ฎ๐ธ minnka
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบััััะตะนัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฃแคแแกแฃแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kiรงiltmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ minimizar
Etymology
The word 'underplay' originated in the early 20th century, deriving from the combination of 'under' meaning 'below or lesser than' and 'play,' which comes from the Old English 'plegan' that means 'to execute, to perform.' In theater, it was used to describe a performance style that avoids overt expressions, allowing the audience to engage more with the subtleties of the characters. The term has since expanded beyond performance to describe any situation where someone downplays their role or achievement. This linguistic evolution reflects broader social attitudes about modesty and self-presentation.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #37,575, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.