The Opposite(Antonym) of “overpromise”
The antonym of overpromise is underpromise, downplay, and minimize. The antonyms underpromise, downplay, and minimize convey a message of setting low expectations or reducing the significance of something. It implies that the outcome may not be as great as expected.
Definitions and Examples of underpromise, downplay, minimize
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underpromise
To make a promise or commitment that is less ambitious than what one is capable of delivering.
Example
The company decided to underpromise and overdeliver, so they set realistic goals for the project.
To make something seem less important or significant than it really is.
Example
The politician tried to downplay the severity of the crisis to avoid causing panic among the public.
To reduce the importance, size, or extent of something.
Example
The coach tried to minimize the impact of the injury on the team's performance.
Key Differences: underpromise vs downplay vs minimize
- 1Underpromise is a complementary antonym that suggests setting lower expectations than what one is capable of delivering.
- 2Downplay is a relational antonym that suggests making something seem less significant than it really is.
- 3Minimize is also a relational antonym that suggests reducing the importance, size, or extent of something.
Effective Usage of underpromise, downplay, minimize
- 1Business Communication: Use these antonyms to manage expectations and avoid disappointing clients or customers.
- 2Negotiations: Incorporate these antonyms to set realistic goals and avoid overcommitting.
- 3Personal Relationships: Utilize these antonyms to avoid overpromising and underdelivering in personal relationships.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Underpromise suggests setting lower expectations, downplay suggests making something seem less significant, and minimize suggests reducing the importance of something. Use these words to manage expectations in business communication, negotiations, and personal relationships.