downplaying
|down/play/ing|
B2
/ˈdaʊnˌpleɪɪŋ/
(downplay)
reduce importance
Etymology
Etymology Information
'downplay' originates from the combination of 'down' and 'play,' where 'down' meant 'reduce' and 'play' meant 'act or perform.'
Historical Evolution
'downplay' evolved from the combination of 'down' and 'play' in modern English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to perform or act in a reduced manner,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'making something appear less important.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make something appear less important or less significant than it actually is.
He was downplaying the risks involved in the project.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40