How to pronounce soft-pedal
American English pronunciation
SAWFT-ped-ul
- IPA
- /ˈsɔftˌpɛdəl/
- Syllables
- SAWFT · ped · ul (3 syllables, stress on the 1st)
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What soft-pedal means
To make something seem less important than it is
In a sentence: The coach soft-pedaled the loss so the team wouldn't feel too gloomy.
Where it comes from: It comes from the soft pedal on a piano, which makes the notes quieter when you press it.
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