downplay Hear it!

downplay Definition

down·play (-plā′)

transitive verb

to play down; minimize

downplay Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • significance: There is still widespread disbelief or downplaying of the real significance of Peak Oil.
  • role: Perhaps the only major quibble between the novels and the screenplays is the downplaying of the role of Sergeant Wield on television.

Object

  • awfulness: The comments on downplaying the awfulness of the scenario strike a chord with me.
  • seriousness: However, that was not to downplay the seriousness of what had happened.
  • importance: To downplay the importance of learning a language, that can't be right.
  • threat: But there are vested interests trying to obscure the science and downplay the threat in order to keep their present position.
  • role: However, certain camps may try to downplay the role of the people in future Iraqi developments.

Used with why or when

  • what: They all deserved punishment and Jackson, as sometimes happens, sounded silly downplaying what they had done.

Modifying Another Word

  • often: The importance of these is often downplayed in discussion of Keynes's work.
  • also: The role of memory is also downplayed in favor of the internalization of language rules which may not be explicitly explained.
  • n't: It also gives you the edge over other candidates with similar qualifications as yourself, so do n't downplay its importance.
  • consistently: The problems and failings of PPPs are consistently downplayed.
  • significantly: Moreover, while seeking to significantly downplay its own role the Government makes much of the role of trustees.
  • always: Nintendo always downplays them self's, they act coy.

Preposition: in

  • favor: The role of memory is also downplayed in favor of the internalization of language rules which may not be explicitly explained.
  • circle: However, cosmic purposes like setting the creation to rights and gathering all things together in Christ seem to be downplayed in Reformed circles.
  • discussion: The risks with NSAIDs always seem to be downplayed in these discussions.