World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesminimiser
Pronunciation / Transliteration: minimize
"Le gouvernement a cherché à minimiser l'impact de la crise."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To de-emphasize, downplay, or treat something with caution so as to make it less noticeable or controversial.
"The administration decided to soft-pedal the new tax reforms until after the election." - 2
To proceed with caution or lessen the force, intensity, or enthusiasm of an approach.
"Her manager advised her to soft-pedal her criticisms during the board meeting."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the United States in the early 20th century, the term stems from the soft pedal (una corda) on a piano, which reduces the instrument's volume. Metaphorically, the verb extended from musical performance to political and general discourse to describe downplaying or reducing the intensity of a statement or action.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Soft-pedal"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Soft-pedal" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
minimiser
Transliteration: minimize
"Le gouvernement a cherché à minimiser l'impact de la crise."
herabspielen
Transliteration: herabspielen
"Sie versuchten, das Problem herunterzuspielen."
minimizzare
Transliteration: minimizzare
"Hanno deciso di minimizzare la questione."
minimizar
Transliteration: minimizar
"Decidieron minimizar los riesgos del proyecto."
minimizar
Transliteration: minimizar
"Eles optaram por minimizar a gravidade da situação."
कम करके दिखाना
Transliteration: kam karke dikhana
"उन्होंने इस मुद्दे को कम करके दिखाने का फैसला किया।"
淡化
Transliteration: dànhuà
"政府决定淡化这一 controversial 的政策。"
축소하다
Transliteration: chuksohada
"그들은 그 사건의 심각성을 축소하려고 했다."
トーンダウンする
Transliteration: tōn daun suru
"彼はその発言のトーンを落とすことにした。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
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The state or fact of being able to be seen.
In fencing, the fourth defensive position of the guard, protecting the upper inside quadrant of the body with the hand held in supination.
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