1. to intentionally reduce or understate one's level of excitement, eagerness, or passionate interest in something
She decided to downplay enthusiasm about the project to avoid seeming overeager.
Ela decidiu minimizar o entusiasmo sobre o projeto para não parecer muito ansiosa.
2. to deliberately present oneself as less excited or interested than one actually is
He tried to downplay enthusiasm when meeting his blind date for the first time.
Ele tentou minimizar o entusiasmo ao conhecer sua parceira de encontro às cegas pela primeira vez.