to downplay
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to downplay
To deliberately present something negative, dangerous, or problematic as less serious or significant than it really is.
Der Sprecher des Unternehmens versuchte, die Umweltschäden zu verharmlosen.
The company spokesperson tried to downplay the environmental damage.
The word is derived from the adjective 'harmlos' (harmless). The prefix 'ver-' and the ending '-en' turn it into a verb meaning to present something as harmless.
Er verharmloste seine Fehler, anstatt sich zu entschuldigen.
He downplayed his mistakes instead of apologizing.
'Verharmlosen' (to downplay) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Sie hat die Gefahr komplett verharmlost.
She completely downplayed the danger.
'Verharmlosen' (to downplay) always requires an accusative object. Often, abstract negative things are downplayed, such as a danger, a problem, risks, or the consequences of something.
Man sollte die Risiken dieser Investition auf keinen Fall verharmlosen.
One should absolutely not downplay the risks of this investment.
The word is usually used in a critical context. If you accuse someone of 'verharmlosen' (downplaying) something, you often imply a manipulative intention or a lack of realism.
Die Opposition warf der Regierung vor, die wirtschaftliche Krise zu verharmlosen.
The opposition accused the government of downplaying the economic crisis.
to exaggerate
'übertreiben' and 'verharmlosen' are clear opposites. With 'übertreiben', something is presented as bigger, more important, or worse than it really is. With 'verharmlosen', something negative or dangerous is presented as smaller and less serious than it is. The words can be confused because both distort reality. The difference is the direction: 'übertreiben' makes something too big, while 'verharmlosen' makes something too small.
Er verharmlost das Problem in der Pause, obwohl das Team dringend eine Lösung braucht.
He downplays the problem during the break, even though the team urgently needs a solution.
Nach dem Gespräch hat er im Bus übertrieben und den kleinen Fehler wie eine Katastrophe beschrieben.
After the conversation, he exaggerated on the bus and described the small mistake as a disaster.