de-emphasize

[ dee-em-fuh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de-em·pha·sized, de-em·pha·siz·ing.

1. to place less emphasis upon; reduce in importance, size, scope, etc.:

   The university de-emphasized intercollegiate football.

de-emphasize

/ diːˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

1. tr to remove emphasis from

Word History and Origins

Origin of de-emphasize¹

First recorded in 1935–40; de- + emphasize

Example Sentences

Mr. Trump and his allies, then and now, have tried to tie Mr. Biden to progressive local officials who, for a time, de-emphasized prosecution of some nonviolent crimes to reduce incarceration rates.

From New York Times

Political experts say there might be heavy pressure from anti-abortion groups to lift the Senate filibuster if the GOP gains full control in Washington, but national organizations have de-emphasized the issue, at least publicly.

From Seattle Times

Service providers sought to de-emphasize the use of large shelters during the early days of the pandemic, amid fears of a super spreader event through a vulnerable population.

From Seattle Times

The Gates foundation policy dovetails with calls by some open-access advocates to de-emphasize the role of journal articles in quality control and professional evaluations.

From Science Magazine

The center de-emphasized classical music in the programming of the events it produced in favor of other genres.

From Seattle Times