🇰🇷Korean Source WordCode: KO

축소하다

Pronunciation / Transliteration: chuksohada

🇬🇧 Direct English Meaning:
Soft-pedal/ˈsɒftˌpɛd.əl/
verbCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #14500 frequency
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🇰🇷 Example Sentence in Korean:

"그들은 그 사건의 심각성을 축소하려고 했다."

Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 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. 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."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

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.

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