underplay
|un-der-play|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈpleɪ/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈpleɪ/
subtle performance
Etymology
Etymology Information
'underplay' originates from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' and the verb 'play,' meaning 'to act or perform.'
Historical Evolution
'underplay' evolved from the combination of 'under-' and 'play' in Middle English, maintaining its meaning of performing with restraint.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to perform with restraint,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make something seem less important or less serious than it really is.
The company tried to underplay the impact of the scandal.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45