downplay

[ doun-pley ]
/ ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

to treat or speak of (something) so as to reduce emphasis on its importance, value, strength, etc.: The press has downplayed the president's role in the negotiations.

Origin of downplay

1950–55; down1 + play, from verb phrase play down

Example sentences from the Web for downplay

British Dictionary definitions for downplay

downplay
/ (ˈdaʊnˌpleɪ) /

verb

(tr) to play down; make little of