Underplay: meaning, definitions and examples

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underplay

 

[ หŒสŒndษ™rหˆpleษช ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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

downplay, lessen, minimize

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น minimizar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฎ เคฎเคนเคคเฅเคต เคฆเฅ‡เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช untertreiben

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengabaikan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะผะตะฝัˆัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bagatelizowaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้Žๅฐ่ฉ•ไพกใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท minimiser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ minimizar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kรผรงรผmsemek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณผ์†Œํ‰๊ฐ€ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠู‚ู„ู„ ู…ู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zlehฤovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zmenลกovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไฝŽไผฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ podcenjevati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ minnka

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบั–ัˆั–ั€ะตะนั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒฃแƒคแƒแƒกแƒฃแƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kiรงiltmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ minimizar

Word origin

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.