downplay

Everyday

1. To downplay something means to make it seem smaller, less important or less serious than it really is. tree →
2. Downplaying your own success means talking about it modestly, so you do not seem to show off. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons on hyperbole and understatement, downplaying is the opposite of exaggerating: saying «it's just a scratch» about a deep cut. In the news, leaders sometimes downplay a problem, and readers should ask whether it is worse than they say. In safety: never downplay an injury or a danger; tell an adult. Phrases: downplay the danger, downplay the problem, downplay your role.

Examples

• He downplayed his injury, but his ankle was badly swollen. tree →
• «It was nothing,» she said, downplaying her prize. tree →
• The company tried to downplay the size of the oil spill. tree →
• Don't downplay a bad headache; tell the nurse. tree →
• The team captain downplayed her part in the win. tree →
• Understatement is a way of downplaying something on purpose for effect. tree →
• The mayor downplayed the flood risk, and many people were not ready. tree →

Note

Regular verb: downplayed, downplaying. One word, no hyphen. Opposite: exaggerate, overstate, play up. Downplaying can be modest and kind (about your own success) or dishonest (hiding how bad a danger is). Similar: play down («play down the problem»).