verb
definition
To de-emphasize; to present or portray as less important or consequential.
example
He would sometimes downplay his Princeton education by saying simply that he went to school in New Jersey.
noun
definition
The act by which something is downplayed, or made to seem less important.
Examples of downplaying in a Sentence
There is still widespread disbelief or downplaying of the real significance of Peak Oil.
Some believe that the reformation doctrine of extrinsic justification has been compromised within Reformed circles by the downplaying of the objectivity of the sacraments.
But the State Department is downplaying the political significance of the trip... more Add a comment.
No body is perfect; therefore you will want to focus on accenting your high points and downplaying the low ones.
Although stunning in real life, Charlize Theron won her Academy Award for downplaying her beauty as serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster.
For young women seeking to develop their own personal style, it's important to have access to clothes that are attractive, individual and that highlight their best features while downplaying anything they don't like.
Remember when shopping for club dresses that are made to call attention to your body, you should select styles that flatter your best assets while downplaying any parts you're not crazy about.
Therefore, you should be able to find bathing suits that feature the flattering details you're looking for while also downplaying the problem spots so common to many women.
This ensures that she flatters her curvaceous figure by drawing attention to her best features while downplaying others.
Other women want to emphasize long legs, while downplaying hips.
Choose bathing suits that make the most of your positives while downplaying any negatives and your confidence is sure to shine through.
Plus size women will enjoy the flattering and attractive styles that showcase positive points, while downplaying any problem areas.
Similarly, if you have a heart-shaped face, you won't try on too many frames that accentuate the width of your forehead while downplaying your chin and cheek areas even further.
Simply speak from your heart without offering advice on how to grieve or downplaying the person's loss.
The compatibility of these two signs rests on focusing on similarities, while downplaying the differences.
This type of resume highlights your skills, education and abilities, while downplaying experience.