to put into perspective
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to put into perspective
To limit the significance, value, or validity of a statement or situation by placing it in another context or comparing it with something else.
Er versuchte, seine schlechte Note zu relativieren, indem er betonte, wie schwer der Test war.
He tried to put his bad grade into perspective by emphasizing how difficult the test was.
to relativize
To present something as dependent on certain conditions, perspectives, or circumstances, thereby taking away its absolute validity.
Die moderne Physik relativiert unsere alltägliche Vorstellung von Zeit und Raum.
Modern physics relativizes our everyday understanding of time and space.
'Relativieren' derives from the adjective 'relativ' (relative). To 'relativieren' something means to make it 'relativ' (relative), that is, to call its absolute validity into question.
Der Erfolg ist relativ, denn die Konkurrenz war nicht sehr stark.
Success is relative, because the competition was not very strong.
'Relativieren' is a transitive verb and always needs an accusative object. You always relativize 'etwas' (something).
Der Politiker versuchte, seine umstrittene Aussage zu relativieren.
The politician tried to put his controversial statement into perspective.
Abstract things such as 'eine Aussage' (a statement), 'ein Problem' (a problem), 'eine Kritik' (a criticism), or 'ein Ergebnis' (a result) are often put into perspective.
Man sollte den Sieg nicht überbewerten und das Ergebnis etwas relativieren.
One should not overvalue the victory and should put the result somewhat into perspective.
To explain how something is put into perspective, you often use a subordinate clause with 'indem' (by doing something) or a prepositional phrase with 'durch' (through / by means of).
Sie relativierte ihre Kritik, indem sie auch die positiven Aspekte erwähnte.
She put her criticism into perspective by also mentioning the positive aspects.
to classify
Einordnen mainly places a statement or situation in a suitable context. Relativieren can do this as well, but additionally emphasizes that this makes its absolute significance or validity seem less strong. Use einordnen when you make information understandable by providing context, and relativieren when you limit its force.
Der Lehrer relativierte die schlechten Noten, weil die Prüfung besonders schwierig gewesen war.
The teacher put the poor grades into perspective because the exam had been especially difficult.
Die Lehrerin ordnete die schlechten Noten in den Zusammenhang der schwierigen Prüfung ein.
The teacher put the poor grades into the context of the difficult exam.
