WordWeb Online

1. Represent as less significant or important
   "Again the raw growth numbers downplay the gain in economic well-being";
   - understate, minimize, minimise [Brit]
    
2. Understate the importance or quality of
   "he downplayed his royal ancestry";
   - background, play down

Derived forms: downplaying, downplayed, downplays

Type of: accent, accentuate, emphasise [Brit], emphasize, inform, punctuate, stress

Encyclopedia: Downplay