Meaning
To disparage, depreciate, or minimize the importance, value, merit, or significance of someone or something.
Etymology
Origin: Unknown
From be- + little. Coined by Thomas Jefferson in 1782.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
understatemake light ofdenigratedegradedeprecatedisparagedownplayplay downtrivializebagatellize
Antonyms
big upexaggeratecut it fathyperbolizeoverchargeoverdooveremphasizeoverstateplay upstretch
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 9 recorded puzzles: