underplay
/ˌʌndərˈpleɪ/ · un.der.play
noun
- The act of underplaying. The director praised the actor's restraint, saying it was a perfect example of underplay in the dramatic scene.
verb
- To play in a subordinate, or in an inferior manner; to underact a part. The young actor struggled to underplay the comedic role, often overacting instead.
- To make something seem less important than it really is. The politician tried to underplay the severity of the economic crisis to avoid panic among the public.
- To play a low card when holding a high one, in the hope of a future advantage. In poker, underplaying a strong hand can be a strategic move to deceive opponents and gain an upper hand later.
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Antonyms
Did you know? The term 'underplay' has been used in various contexts, including theater, politics, and even poker. In the 19th century, it was often used to describe an actor's ability to convey emotion without overacting, which is still a valuable skill in the world of theater today.