Definition

To not give enough importance or attention to something.

Example

The teacher tends to underemphasize the importance of homework in her classes.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think the teacher tends to underemphasize the importance of group projects.

Really? I thought they were pretty significant in our grading.

Yeah, but without enough focus on them, we might miss out on key skills.

That's a good point; maybe we should bring it up in class.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underemphasize → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficiently) and "emphasize" (from Greek "emphasis", meaning to express or show importance). The word means to express something with less importance than it deserves or to give insufficient emphasis.

Memory Tip

Think of 'under-' meaning below or insufficiently, and 'emphasize' meaning to show importance. This helps you remember that 'underemphasize' means to show less importance than something deserves.

Visually Confused Words