downplay
verb (used with object)
to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc..
has been downplaying
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present perfect progressiveof downplay (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It has been downplaying expectations by predicting gains of about 400 seats.
From BBC ● May 4, 2023
Since its dramatic about-face to dismantle its “zero Covid” strategy last week, China has been downplaying the severity of the Omicron variant rippling through cities, essentially encouraging the country to learn to live with Covid.
From New York Times ● Dec. 12, 2022
Brady has been downplaying the trip to Foxborough, saying it’s more of a business trip, and he’s trying to get the win.
From Fox News ● Oct. 1, 2021
For months, Deschamps has been downplaying expectations by making out that France’s youth was a drawback, not its strength.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 10, 2018
