to downplay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to downplay" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of minimizing the importance or significance of something. Example: "The spokesperson tried to downplay the severity of the situation during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ali tried to downplay threats.

The New Yorker

Candidates themselves were careful to downplay religion.

The New Yorker

I don't mean to downplay that".

The New York Times

He has done nothing to downplay expectations.

The Economist

That's not to downplay them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Too many people try to downplay it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Norris is keen to downplay her role.

The Guardian

"I'm not going to downplay that.

The New York Times - Sports

Officials continued to downplay the protests.

The Guardian

Members of Trident seem almost keen to downplay them.

The Economist

"I don't want to downplay it at all.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to downplay" in your writing, be mindful of the audience and the potential impact of minimizing an issue. Ensure you're not inadvertently diminishing genuine concerns or valid perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "to downplay" when discussing serious or sensitive topics where minimizing the issue could be seen as disrespectful or dismissive. Opt for more empathetic language or address the concerns directly.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to downplay" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action. It describes the act of reducing the perceived importance or significance of something. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in which someone attempts to diminish the impact of an event or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to downplay" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that means to reduce the perceived importance or significance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. When using "to downplay", consider alternative phrases such as "to minimize", "to understate", or "to trivialize" for nuanced meanings. Be mindful of the context, ensuring that the phrase does not diminish genuine concerns or come across as insensitive. Using "to downplay" effectively involves understanding its communicative purpose—softening the impact of information—and choosing it judiciously to maintain clarity and respect for the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to play down

An idiomatic synonym that means to de-emphasize.

to minimize

Focuses on reducing something to the smallest possible degree.

to de-emphasize

Directly indicates reducing the emphasis placed on something.

to understate

Involves presenting something as less significant than it actually is.

to trivialize

Suggests making something seem unimportant or insignificant.

to diminish

Implies a reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

to belittle

Focuses on making someone or something feel small or unimportant.

to soft-pedal

Indicates handling something with restraint to reduce its impact.

to gloss over

Implies avoiding detailed examination or discussion of something.

to brush aside

Suggests dismissing something quickly and without serious consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "to downplay" in a sentence?

You can use "to downplay" to indicate an attempt to minimize the importance of something. For example, "The government tried "to downplay" the severity of the economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "to downplay"?

Alternatives include "to minimize", "to understate", or "to trivialize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "to downplay" in formal writing?

Yes, "to downplay" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news and analytical contexts. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "to downplay" and "to disregard"?

"To downplay" suggests reducing the perceived importance, while "to disregard" means to ignore something entirely. Downplaying acknowledges the issue but minimizes its significance, whereas disregarding completely dismisses it.