To reduce the significance of something; to make something seem less important or less prominent. This often involves downplaying a particular aspect, element, or factor, either intentionally or unintentionally, so as not to draw attention to it or to lessen its perceived weight. It can apply to ideas, characteristics, events, or aspects of a presentation or discussion. The act of deemphasizing can be achieved through various rhetorical or practical techniques, such as using less prominent language, reducing visual elements, shortening descriptions, or strategically omitting certain details. The goal is typically to shift focus towards something else considered more vital or advantageous for the context. Deemphasizing isn't necessarily about ignoring the topic but making it play a less important role.
Deemphasize meaning with examples
- The marketing team decided to deemphasize the product's high price point in their advertising campaign, focusing instead on its innovative features and benefits to make it seem less expensive. They cleverly highlighted the value proposition, drawing less attention to the price tag, hoping to entice the customer.
- During the political debate, the candidate chose to deemphasize his past controversial statements, understanding that doing so might make him more palatable to swing voters, focusing instead on his plans for economic growth and stability for the nation's citizens.
- The author of the novel chose to deemphasize the minor characters in the later chapters to build suspense around the central protagonist. This reduction of attention helped to maintain the reader's interest by making them wonder if the main character would succeed.
- In a scientific paper, the researchers chose to deemphasize the limitations of their study, acknowledging them briefly in a section on future research, and focusing on presenting their results and how they fit into the current body of knowledge.
- When giving his presentation, the CEO decided to deemphasize the company's recent financial losses. He framed the results as strategic investments in the company’s future. He wanted the stakeholders to be encouraged and optimistic about the long-term prospects of the company.