Efface vs Downplay - What's the difference?

As verbs the difference between efface and downplay

is that efface is while downplay is to de-emphasize; to present or portray as less important or consequential.

(effac)

To erase (as anything impressed or inscribed upon a surface); to render illegible or indiscernible.

Do not efface what I've written on the chalkboard.

* 1825 , , The Talisman , A.L. Burt Company (1832?), 15:

An outline of the same device might be traced on his shield, though many a blow had almost effaced the painting.

To cause to disappear as if by rubbing out]] or [[strike out, striking out.

Some people like to efface their own memories with alcohol.

(reflexive) To make oneself inobtrusive as if due to modesty or diffidence.

Many people seem shy, but they really just efface for meekness.

(medicine) Of the cervix during pregnancy, to thin and stretch in preparation for labor.

Some females efface 75% by the 39th week of pregnancy.

* effaceable * effacement * effacer * self-effacing

* play down

(en verb)

To de-emphasize; to present or portray as less important or consequential.

He would sometimes downplay his Princeton education by saying simply that he went to school in New Jersey.

* The synonymous alternative form (play down) is slightly more formal, or slightly less informal.