What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underplaying
Example
The coach was underplaying the team's chances of winning the championship. [underplaying: verb]
Example
She was underplaying her role in the project's success. [underplaying: gerund or present participle]
downplay
Example
The company tried to downplay the negative effects of the new policy. [downplay: verb]
Example
He downplayed his achievements during the interview. [downplayed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Downplay is more commonly used than underplaying in everyday language. Downplay is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while underplaying is less common and refers to a specific type of minimizing behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between underplaying and downplay?
Both underplaying and downplay can be used in formal and informal contexts, but downplay is more versatile and can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective, allowing it to be used in a wider range of formality levels.
