The Opposite(Antonym) of “emphasize”
The antonyms of emphasize are understate and downplay. The antonyms understate and downplay convey a sense of minimizing or reducing the importance or significance of something.
Explore all Antonyms of “emphasize”
Definitions and Examples of understate, downplay
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To present something as less important or significant than it actually is.
Example
The company tried to understate the environmental impact of its operations.
To make something seem less important or significant than it really is.
Example
The politician tried to downplay the controversy surrounding his campaign.
Key Differences: understate vs downplay
- 1Understate implies that something is presented as less important or significant than it actually is, while downplay suggests an attempt to make something seem less important or significant than it really is.
- 2Understate is often used in formal contexts, such as business or legal settings, while downplay is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
- 3Understate can also be used to describe a lack of emphasis or exaggeration, while downplay specifically refers to an attempt to make something seem less important.
Effective Usage of understate, downplay
- 1Business Communication: Use understate to present information in a more objective and neutral way.
- 2Everyday Conversation: Use downplay to minimize the significance of a situation or event.
- 3Academic Writing: Use understate to avoid exaggeration and maintain a professional tone.
Remember this!
The antonyms understate and downplay convey a sense of minimizing or reducing the importance or significance of something. While understate is often used in formal contexts and can also describe a lack of emphasis or exaggeration, downplay is more commonly used in everyday conversation and specifically refers to an attempt to make something seem less important.
