de-emphasize

verb
UK: /ˌdiːˈem.fə.saɪz/
US: /ˌdiːˈem.fə.saɪz/

  1. To reduce the importance of something

    1. We should de-emphasize his role.
    2. The new policy aims to de-emphasize test scores in the admissions process.

  2. To treat something as less important than it really is

    1. They de-emphasize safety rules.
    2. The report may de-emphasize the potential risks of the project to get approval.

Synonyms

downplay understate minimize soft-pedal
de-emphasize transitive-verb

  1. To make something appear less prominent or significant.

    1. Try to de-emphasize the flaws.
    2. The architects chose a design to de-emphasize the building's height.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "de-emphasize" in English means: To reduce the importance of something, To treat something as less important than it really is.

The phonetic transcription of "de-emphasize" is /ˌdiːˈem.fə.saɪz/ in British English and /ˌdiːˈem.fə.saɪz/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "de-emphasize": downplay, understate, minimize, soft-pedal.

Example usage of "de-emphasize": "We should de-emphasize his role.". More examples on the page.