underplay

[ uhn-der-pley, uhn-der-pley ]
/ ˌʌn dərˈpleɪ, ˈʌn dərˌpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

to act (a part) sketchily.
to act subtly and restrainedly.
to understate or de-emphasize; downplay: The ambassador underplayed his role in the peace negotiations.

verb (used without object)

to leave out of one's acting all subtlety and enriching detail.
to achieve an effect in acting with a minimum of emphasis.

Origin of underplay

First recorded in 1725–35; under- + play

Example sentences from the Web for underplay

British Dictionary definitions for underplay

underplay
/ (ˌʌndəˈpleɪ) /

verb

to play (a role) with restraint or subtlety
to achieve (an effect) by deliberate lack of emphasis
(intr) cards to lead or follow suit with a lower card when holding a higher one