What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
minimizing
Example
He tried minimizing his mistake by blaming it on someone else. [minimizing: verb]
Example
The company attempted to minimize the negative publicity surrounding the scandal. [minimize: verb]
downplay
Example
The politician tried to downplay the severity of the economic crisis. [downplay: verb]
Example
She didn't want to draw attention to her achievements and decided to downplay them. [downplay: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Downplay is more commonly used in everyday language than minimizing. Minimizing is more specific and technical, while downplay is more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between minimizing and downplay?
Minimizing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while downplay is more commonly used in informal contexts and may not be appropriate for formal situations.
