downplay means to de-emphasize; to present or portray as less important or consequential. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.
Etymology
Synthetic form of the phrase play down. By surface analysis, down- + play.
verb
- To de-emphasize; to present or portray as less important or consequential.“The Killing of a Chinese Bookie is no ordinary thriller. John Cassavetes, as usual, downplays the plot, opting for character and endless improvisation, but it does not entirely work in this setting.”