underplay
/ʌndəˈpleɪ
/verb [with object]
1Perform (something) in a restrained way: the violins underplayed the romantic element in the music...
- Despite its subject matter, the film is unsentimental and avoids the conventions of melodrama, with some of the most intense scenes being quietly underplayed and restrained.
- In the title role, he underplays the part nicely.
- The rest of the cast either underplays their role or overplays it to the point of being far too cartoonish.
2Represent (something) as being less important than it really is: I do not wish to underplay the tragedies that have occurred...
- ‘Only a fool would underplay the important role you played in our history,’ he said.
- Oddly, the report tried to underplay these important factors.
- More than anyone else, Bobby himself would wish to underplay his disability and to concentrate on his achievements, for that is really what is important to him.