de-emphasize

the word is a modern english formation, constructed from classical elements to express a specific conceptual action. the prefix "de-", from latin, introduces the sense of reversal or removal. it is attached to the noun "emphasis", which entered english from latin 'emphasis', itself borrowed from greek 'emphasis' meaning "significance" or "appearance", derived from the verb 'emphainein' ("to exhibit, indicate"). the suffix "-ize", of greek origin via latin, is a productive verb-forming element. therefore, the literal construction "to make with a reversal of significance" logically evolved into the modern meaning of reducing importance or attention.

Structure: de (reverse) + emphasis (stress) + ize (verb suffix) de: latin origin, a prefix meaning "down from, off, away, reversing or removing". emphasis: from greek via latin, meaning "significance, stress, or force". ize: greek origin via latin, a verb-forming suffix meaning "to make, to become, to act in the manner of".