down-

Decrease.

Prefix

  1. Decrease.
    • Those bonds have been downrated.
  2. Lower position or direction, literally or figuratively.
    • The end of the ride was a long coast downhill.
  3. De-emphasis.
    • I tried to downplay the importance of the scandal.

Origin

From Middle English down-, doun-, dun-, from Old English dūne- (“down-”), from dūne (“down, downward”). More at down.