minimisers
Things that lessen
Minimisers is the British spelling of minimizers—bras designed to reduce the apparent size of the bust by redistributing breast tissue and creating a flatter silhouette under clothing.
The term extends to anything that reduces or downplays: These curtains are great light minimisers.
In psychology, minimisers are people who habitually downplay problems or emotions.
Expressing contempt or dismissiveness
- trivializingDiminishing perceived significance
- diminishingBecoming progressively less
- underplayingDeliberately understating something
- de-emphasizingReducing perceived importance
underestimating · disparaging · devaluing · discounting · deprecating · deflating · brushing off · glossing over
Understatement via negation
- meiosisGamete-producing cell division
- understatementIntentional diminishment for effect
- hedgesPlanted boundary lines
- softenersAgents that reduce harshness
qualifiers · just · only · merely · simply · barely · hardly · scarcely
Words limiting scope
- perhapsExpressing uncertainty
- possiblyWith some likelihood
- maybeExpression of uncertainty
- mightGreat physical strength
somewhat · slightly · arguably · seemingly · apparently · presumably · sort of · kind of
Sensitivity in speech
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- modestyAbsence of vanity
humility · self-deprecation · graciousness · understatement · restraint · discretion · considerate · tactful
belittling
Expressing contempt or dismissiveness
- trivializingDiminishing perceived significance
- diminishingBecoming progressively less
- underplayingDeliberately understating something
de-emphasizing · underestimating · disparaging · devaluing · discounting · deprecating · deflating · brushing off · glossing over · playing down
litotes
Understatement via negation
- meiosisGamete-producing cell division
- understatementIntentional diminishment for effect
- hedgesPlanted boundary lines
softeners · qualifiers · just · only · merely · simply · barely · hardly · scarcely · a tad
qualifiers
Words limiting scope
might · somewhat · slightly · arguably · seemingly · apparently · presumably · sort of · kind of · a bit
tact
Sensitivity in speech
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
modesty · humility · self-deprecation · graciousness · understatement · restraint · discretion · considerate · tactful · deferential
minimisersmaximisers
Seekers of optimal outcomes
maximizers · exaggerators · amplifiers · catastrophizers · magnifiers
minimisersintensifiers
Words that amplify meaning
maximisers · amplifiers · boosters · strengtheners · superlatives