What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underplay
Example
She underplayed her emotions during the interview. [underplayed: verb]
Example
The media tends to underplay the severity of climate change. [underplay: verb]
underrate
Example
Don't underrate the importance of good communication skills. [underrate: verb]
Example
The team was underrated by their opponents and ended up winning the championship. [underrated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underrate is more commonly used than underplay in everyday language. Underrate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while underplay is less common and more specific to certain situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between underplay and underrate?
Both underplay and underrate are relatively informal words, but underrate can be used in more formal contexts due to its versatility as both a verb and an adjective.
