World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesSoft-pedal
/ˈsɒftˌpɛd.əl/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To de-emphasize, downplay, or treat something with caution so as to make it less noticeable or controversial.
"The administration decided to soft-pedal the new tax reforms until after the election." - 2
To proceed with caution or lessen the force, intensity, or enthusiasm of an approach.
"Her manager advised her to soft-pedal her criticisms during the board meeting."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the United States in the early 20th century, the term stems from the soft pedal (una corda) on a piano, which reduces the instrument's volume. Metaphorically, the verb extended from musical performance to political and general discourse to describe downplaying or reducing the intensity of a statement or action.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Soft-pedal"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Soft-pedal" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
minimiser
Transliteration: minimize
"Le gouvernement a cherché à minimiser l'impact de la crise."
herabspielen
Transliteration: herabspielen
"Sie versuchten, das Problem herunterzuspielen."
minimizzare
Transliteration: minimizzare
"Hanno deciso di minimizzare la questione."
minimizar
Transliteration: minimizar
"Decidieron minimizar los riesgos del proyecto."
minimizar
Transliteration: minimizar
"Eles optaram por minimizar a gravidade da situação."
कम करके दिखाना
Transliteration: kam karke dikhana
"उन्होंने इस मुद्दे को कम करके दिखाने का फैसला किया।"
淡化
Transliteration: dànhuà
"政府决定淡化这一 controversial 的政策。"
축소하다
Transliteration: chuksohada
"그들은 그 사건의 심각성을 축소하려고 했다."
トーンダウンする
Transliteration: tōn daun suru
"彼はその発言のトーンを落とすことにした。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
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A stream or river of water that flows completely underneath the Earth's surface.
To become temporarily unable to speak or produce a normal vocal sound due to shouting, illness, or excessive strain on the vocal cords.
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