Spanish word

minimizar

Pronunciation

IPA/minimiˈθaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdownplay

Example

No podemos minimizar ese problema.

We can't downplay that problem.

Illustration for minimizar (downplay)

More examples

No conviene minimizar la importancia de una buena comunicación.

It is not advisable to downplay the importance of good communication.

Core concept

A large mountain pictured as a small pebble.

Common phrases

  • minimizar la importancia

    downplay the importance

  • minimizar daños

    minimize damage

  • minimizar el problema

    downplay the problem

Similar words

restar importancia: Plays down an issue's importance, presenting it as not worth much attention.
subestimar: Underestimates someone's ability, a quantity, or the seriousness of a problem.
desestimar: Regards an opinion or proposal as unworthy of consideration.
ignorar: Purposely ignores information or a situation and gives it no attention.

Definition in Spanish

Representar o presentar una situación o asunto como de menor importancia o impacto del que tiene en realidad.

Word origin

Derived from Latin minimus 'small' with the root minim- and the suffix -izar that forms verbs meaning to reduce or make small.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may map minimizar directly to English minimize, but in Spanish minimizar specifically conveys downplaying importance rather than a neutral reduction in size.

Other meanings

  • minimizeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • minimizaciónminimizationnoun
  • minimizableminimizableadjective

Word lists with this word