de-emphasize
C1Formal to Neutral, used primarily in professional, academic, and technical writing.
Definition
Meaning
To reduce the importance, attention, or prominence given to something.
To deliberately shift focus away from a particular element in order to prioritize other aspects or to present a more balanced perspective.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It implies a conscious, strategic act of downgrading. It is often used in the context of communication, design, policy, or strategy to indicate a deliberate shift in focus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. UK spelling can be 'de-emphasise' (with an 's'), though the 'z' spelling is common. US spelling is exclusively 'de-emphasize'.
Connotations
Slight tendency for US usage in corporate/business jargon; UK usage may be more common in academic/educational contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but well-established in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
de-emphasize [something]de-emphasize [that] something is importantde-emphasize the idea that...[something] is de-emphasizedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly featuring 'de-emphasize'. The concept is expressed through the verb itself.]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The new CEO's strategy was to de-emphasize overseas expansion and refocus on core domestic markets."
Academic
"Recent historiography seeks to de-emphasize the role of 'great men' in favour of broader social movements."
Everyday
"In the updated design, they de-emphasized the logo to make the website look cleaner."
Technical
"The algorithm was adjusted to de-emphasize older data points, giving more weight to recent trends."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The curriculum review will de-emphasise rote memorisation.
- His speech de-emphasised the party's traditional stance on tax.
American English
- The coach decided to de-emphasize star players and focus on teamwork.
- The rebranding de-emphasizes the company's industrial origins.
adjective
British English
- A de-emphasised colour palette was used for the background.
- The report's de-emphasised tone on the issue was notable.
American English
- The de-emphasized logo is now in the footer.
- She took a de-emphasized role in the project's final phase.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher will de-emphasize the old rules.
- In the new plan, they de-emphasize competition and focus more on cooperation.
- Critics argue that the revised syllabus de-emphasizes critical thinking in favour of exam preparation, a shift with significant pedagogical implications.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DE-tective EMPHASIZing a clue, then changing his mind and saying 'DE-EMPHASIZE that one, look at this other clue instead.'
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE/BRIGHTNESS/FOREGROUND. To de-emphasize is to make something smaller, dimmer, or move it to the background.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translations like 'раз-подчеркивать'. Use 'придавать меньшее значение', 'отодвигать на второй план', 'снижать важность'.
- Do not confuse with 'ignore' (игнорировать). 'De-emphasize' implies acknowledging but reducing focus, not total neglect.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'deemphasize' (needs hyphen for clarity).
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'deny' or 'reject'. It's about reducing focus, not refusing a fact.
- Incorrect preposition: 'de-emphasize on something' (correct: 'de-emphasize something').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'de-emphasize' in a business strategy context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. To de-emphasize means to reduce the importance or attention given to something, while still acknowledging its existence. To ignore means to refuse to acknowledge it at all.
The most common noun form is 'de-emphasis'. (e.g., 'There has been a de-emphasis on formal wear in the office.')
The hyphenated form 'de-emphasize' is strongly recommended and more common in edited writing. The unhyphenated 'deemphasize' is sometimes seen but can be harder to read initially.
Yes. It can describe a positive, strategic choice to create balance or clarity. For example: 'De-emphasizing individual blame helped the team focus on solving the systemic problem.'