verharmlosen
Translation
to downplay, to trivialize, to play down
Examples
Er versucht, die Gefahr zu verharmlosen.
He is trying to downplay the danger.
Man sollte dieses Problem nicht verharmlosen.
One should not trivialize this problem.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to downplay (sth.) He verharmlost the risks.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bagatellisieren (to play down), herunterspielen (to downplay); Antonyms: dramatisieren (to dramatize), übertreiben (to exaggerate)
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' (often implying a change of state) + 'harmlos' (harmless). It means to make something seem harmless.
Memory Tips
Think of the prefix 'ver-' turning the adjective 'harmlos' (harmless) into a verb meaning 'to make harmless'.