WordValeplay down
to make seem less important
In more detail
1. (verb) to make something seem less important or serious than it really is; to minimize or downplay
2. (verb) to perform in a way that is not as energetic or impressive as possible
Examples
- 1. The government tried to play down the seriousness of the economic crisis.
- 2. The team played down in the second half and lost the match.
How to use play down
Play down means to present something as less significant or problematic than it actually is, often deliberately or tactfully. It is commonly used in discussions of how people or organizations handle sensitive issues, failures, or achievements. The phrase is slightly less formal than downplay but more natural in spoken English and journalism.
Common phrases
- play down the risk
- play down one's role
- play down criticism
- play down the importance
- play down concerns
Synonyms
downplay · minimize · understate · soft-pedal · de-emphasize
Opposites
exaggerate · overstate · emphasize
Word family
played down · playing down · plays down
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'play down' with 'play up' (to emphasize or highlight something), which have opposite meanings; also, some forget that it is a phrasal verb and cannot be used as easily in different word positions.
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