de-emphasize

American  

[dee-em-fuh-sahyz] / diˈɛm fəˌsaɪz /

especially British, de-emphasise

verb (used with object)

de-emphasized, de-emphasizing

1. to place less emphasis upon; reduce in importance, size, scope, etc..

   The university de-emphasized intercollegiate football.

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de-emphasize British  

/ diːˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to remove emphasis from

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Etymology

Origin of de-emphasize

First recorded in 1935–40; de- + emphasize

Example Sentences

Mark Warner, a trade and investment lawyer who practices in both the U.S. and Canada, said Wiseman is trying to de-emphasize the annual review process as a means to reduce the uncertainty holding back executives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

Lockheed stock was flat over that span, with investors worried that militaries would de-emphasize their manned fighter jets in favor of lower-cost autonomous systems.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

McLennan explained that the fund will, at times, de-emphasize gold and load up more on stocks.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

Service providers sought to de-emphasize the use of large shelters during the early days of the pandemic, amid fears of a super spreader event through a vulnerable population.

From Seattle Times • May 9, 2024

For these persons, I usually de-emphasize the need for passing the tests and concentrate on the therapeutic results which are desired.

From A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis by Powers, Melvin