underplay
underplay · underplays · underplayed · underplaying
To play in a subordinate, or in an inferior mannerTo play in a subordinate, or in an inferior manner; to underact a part.
US/ˌʌndɚplˈeɪ/
Meaning
3 senses(transitive)To play in a subordinate, or in an inferior manner; to underact a part.
(transitive)To make something seem less important than it really is.
(transitive)To play a low card when holding a high one, in the hope of a future advantage.
play a card lower than (a held high card)
Translations
1 languagesForms
underplays, underplaying, underplayed, underplayed| Base form | underplay · to underplay |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | underplays |
| Present participle | underplaying |
| Past simple | underplayed |
| Past participle | underplayed |
regular · Lesson
Synonyms
25 synonymsdegradeC1deprecateC2disparageC2minimizeB1underestimateB2belittledownplayunderstatebagatellizebanalizecut downde-emphasizedenigratederogate
Close in meaning
- act (a role) with great restraint:underact
Lessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle