English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

verb

downplay

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Downplay (verb) means to make something seem less important than it really is.

verb

1

To make something seem less important than it really is.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

Synthetic form of the phrase play down. By surface analysis, down- + play.

Synonyms

minimise background understate minimize

Antonyms

exaggerate emphasize

Related words

experience ground setting background context stress minimum describe

Rhymes for downplay

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of downplay?

"downplay" (verb) means to make something seem less important than it really is.

What is another word for downplay?

Other words for "downplay" include minimise, background, understate, minimize.

What is the opposite of downplay?

Opposites of "downplay" include exaggerate, emphasize.

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experience ground setting background context stress minimum describe

Definitions from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · etymology from Wiktionary