Question 1

What does "play down" mean?

Accepted Answer

To make something seem less important or serious than it actually is, often deliberately.

Question 2

How do you use "play down" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

The government tried to play down the severity of the economic crisis before the election.

Question 3

Is "play down" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"play down" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Very common in journalism, politics, and everyday speech. Often implies a deliberate strategy — someone 'plays down' something to manage public perception or avoid alarm. The opposite of 'play up'. Equally common in British and American English, though American English also uses the one-word 'downplay'. Can be used reflexively ('she played down her role').

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