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understand
[uhn-der-stand]
verb (used with object)
to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of; comprehend.
to understand Spanish; I didn't understand your question.
to be thoroughly familiar with; apprehend clearly the character, nature, or subtleties of.
to understand a trade.
to assign a meaning to; interpret.
He understood her suggestion as a complaint.
to grasp the significance, implications, or importance of.
He does not understand responsibility.
to regard as firmly communicated; take as agreed or settled.
I understand that you will repay this loan in 30 days.
to learn or hear.
I understand that you are going out of town.
to accept as true; believe.
I understand that you are trying to be truthful, but you are wrong.
to construe in a particular way.
You are to understand the phrase literally.
to supply mentally (something that is not expressed).
verb (used without object)
to perceive what is meant; grasp the information conveyed.
She told them about it in simple words, hoping they would understand.
to accept tolerantly or sympathetically.
If you can't do it, I'll understand.
to have knowledge or background, as on a particular subject.
He understands about boats.
to have a systematic interpretation or rationale, as in a field or area of knowledge.
He can repeat every rule in the book, but he just doesn't understand.
understand
/ ˌʌԻəˈæԻ /
verb
(may take a clause as object) to know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
I understand you
I understand what you mean
(may take a clause as object) to realize or grasp (something)
he understands your position
(tr; may take a clause as object) to assume, infer, or believe
I understand you are thinking of marrying
(tr) to know how to translate or read
can you understand Spanish?
(tr; may take a clause as object; often passive) to accept as a condition or proviso
it is understood that children must be kept quiet
(tr) to be sympathetic to or compatible with
we understand each other
Other 51Թ Forms
- preunderstand verb
- ˌܲԻˈٲԻ岹 adjective
- ˌܲԻˈٲԻ岹 adverb
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of understand1
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of understand1
Idioms and Phrases
Example Sentences
While Flanagan understands humanity’s penchant for complacency in the face of chaos, his script does little to elucidate the reasons people turn a blind eye to their fellow humans’ suffering, much less pose any solutions.
One of the labour suppliers is understood to remain suspended from new contracts while inquiries continue.
The BBC understands the car involved had fallen from a higher level of the car park.
“They’re trying to understand what happens after this. So what I’ve been offering them is that this isn’t how things are going to be forever, that there’s power in community.”
In Verrelli's view, understanding this difference isn't about discouraging these animals' presence, but making it easier for us and them to live in harmony and reasonable comfort.
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When To Use
To understand something is to be thoroughly familiar with it, or to apprehend clearly its character, nature, or subtleties. How is understand different from know and comprehend? Find out on Thesaurus.com.
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