relativization
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relativization / downplaying
The placing of a statement, problem, or value in relation to something else, thereby weakening its absolute validity or significance. It is the process of reducing something in its importance or force.
Seine Entschuldigung klang eher wie eine Relativierung seiner Fehler als eine echte Reue.
His apology sounded more like a downplaying of his mistakes than genuine remorse.
'Die Relativierung' (the relativization / downplaying) is the noun form of the verb 'relativieren' (to relativize / to put into perspective). The ending '-ung' indicates that it refers to the process or result of an action.
Er versuchte, seine harte Kritik zu relativieren.
He tried to put his harsh criticism into perspective.
The word is very often used with a genitive object to specify what is being weakened in its significance.
Die Relativierung des Problems hilft uns nicht weiter.
The downplaying of the problem does not help us.
'Relativierung' (relativization / downplaying) is a rather formal word that is often used in discussions, political debates, or academic texts to weaken arguments.
In der politischen Diskussion wurde dem Redner eine Relativierung der Fakten vorgeworfen.
In the political discussion, the speaker was accused of downplaying the facts.
restriction / qualification
Einschränkung and Relativierung can make a statement seem less general. Einschränkung directly specifies the condition under which, or the area in which, it applies. Relativierung places it in a broader context and thereby weakens its absolute effect.
Der Vergleich mit anderen Studien führte zu einer Relativierung der Aussage.
Comparing it with other studies led to a relativization of the statement.
Die Aussage gilt mit der Einschränkung, dass nur Erwachsene befragt wurden.
The statement applies with the limitation that only adults were surveyed.
