# play down

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/play-down
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to make something seem less important or less serious than it really is.

For teachers: To represent something as being of little importance or value. The verb is transitive and optionally separable, often used in professional contexts to minimize the perceived significance of a problem or error.

## Examples

- The government tried to play down the bad news.
- Although the injury was quite painful, the athlete tried to play it down so the coach wouldn't take him out of the game.
- The CEO's attempt to play down the environmental impact of the spill was met with fierce criticism from local activists and international media.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He played down it." but "He played it down." — When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- Often used with abstract nouns like 'importance', 'significance', or 'seriousness'.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'play up' to show how the particles 'up' and 'down' function as metaphors for increasing or decreasing importance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.