To "understate" means to present something in a way that makes it seem less important, serious, or significant than it actually is. This can be done through language, tone, or context, often leading to a contrast between the reality of a situation and how it is described. For example, saying "It's just a scratch" when referring to a large dent in a car is an understatement. Understatement is commonly used in various forms of communication, including literature, humor, and everyday conversation. It can serve to create irony or emphasize a point by downplaying it. Famous authors like Mark Twain and Jane Austen often employed understatement to enhance their storytelling and character development.