Definition

To make something seem less important or serious than it really is.

Example

She tried to downplay her mistakes during the meeting.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard they are going to downplay the whole incident at work.

Really? I thought it was a bigger deal than that.

Yeah, but I guess they want to keep things calm and not create panic.

That makes sense, but I hope they don’t just sweep it under the rug.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Downplay → It is formed from "down" (meaning to a lower position) and "play" (from Old English *plegian*, meaning to exercise or perform). The word means to make something seem less important or serious than it is, effectively lowering its perceived significance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'down' as lowering something and 'play' as performing or presenting it. This helps you remember that to downplay means to present something as less important.

Visually Confused Words