Underplayed: meaning, definitions and examples

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underplayed

 

[ ʌndərˈpleɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

subtle acknowledgment

To underplay something is to represent it as less significant or important than it really is. This can involve downplaying events, emotions, or reactions, essentially minimizing their perceived magnitude. In communications and performances, an underplayed element can highlight other aspects by contrast. It is often used in contexts where the intent is to avoid exaggeration or to create a more subdued effect.

Synonyms

diminish, downplay, minimize

Examples of usage

  • She underplayed her role in the project during the meeting.
  • The actor underplayed the emotional scene, making it more impactful.
  • He tends to underplay his achievements, preferring to stay humble.

Translations

Translations of the word "underplayed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subestimado

🇮🇳 कम आंका गया

🇩🇪 unterbewertet

🇮🇩 kurang diperhatikan

🇺🇦 недооцінений

🇵🇱 niedoceniany

🇯🇵 過小評価された

🇫🇷 sous-estimé

🇪🇸 subestimado

🇹🇷 azımsanmış

🇰🇷 과소평가된

🇸🇦 مُقَلَّل الأهمية

🇨🇿 podceňovaný

🇸🇰 podceňovaný

🇨🇳 被低估的

🇸🇮 podcenjen

🇮🇸 vanmetinn

🇰🇿 бағаланбайтын

🇬🇪 დაფასებული არ არის

🇦🇿 dəyər verilməmiş

🇲🇽 subestimado

Etymology

The word 'underplay' is derived from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'beneath' or 'less than', and 'play', which has its origins in the Old English 'plegian', meaning 'to exercise, perform, engage in a game'. The term appeared in the English language around the mid-20th century, primarily in theatrical contexts to denote performances where actors intentionally deliver their lines or portray characters in a restrained and understated manner. Over time, the usage of 'underplay' expanded beyond theater to various areas of discourse including conversation, writing, and public speaking, signifying a broader application where individuals purposefully minimize the perceived importance of certain subjects or achievements.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,551, 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.