downplayed
|down/played|
B2
/ˈdaʊnˌpleɪd/
(downplay)
reduce importance
Etymology
Etymology Information
'downplay' originates from the combination of 'down' and 'play', where 'down' suggests reducing or lowering and 'play' suggests acting or performing.
Historical Evolution
'downplay' was formed in modern English by combining 'down' and 'play'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to act in a way that reduces importance', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make something appear less important or less significant than it really is.
The company downplayed the risks associated with the new product.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'downplay'.
He downplayed his role in the project.
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45