understand

[ uhn-der-stand ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·stood, un·der·stand·ing.

1. to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of; comprehend:

   to understand Spanish; I didn't understand your question.

2. to be thoroughly familiar with; apprehend clearly the character, nature, or subtleties of:

   to understand a trade.

3. to assign a meaning to; interpret:

   He understood her suggestion as a complaint.

4. to grasp the significance, implications, or importance of:

   He does not understand responsibility.

5. to regard as firmly communicated; take as agreed or settled:

   I understand that you will repay this loan in 30 days.

6. to learn or hear:

   I understand that you are going out of town.

7. to accept as true; believe:

   I understand that you are trying to be truthful, but you are wrong.

8. to construe in a particular way:

   You are to understand the phrase literally.

9. to supply mentally (something that is not expressed).

verb (used without object)

, un·der·stood, un·der·stand·ing.

1. to perceive what is meant; grasp the information conveyed:

   She told them about it in simple words, hoping they would understand.

2. to accept tolerantly or sympathetically:

   If you can't do it, I'll understand.

3. to have knowledge or background, as on a particular subject:

   He understands about boats.

4. 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

/ ˌʌndəˈstænd /

verb

1. may take a clause as object to know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

   I understand you

   I understand what you mean

2. may take a clause as object to realize or grasp (something)

   he understands your position

3. tr; may take a clause as object to assume, infer, or believe

   I understand you are thinking of marrying

4. tr to know how to translate or read

   can you understand Spanish?

5. 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

6. tr to be sympathetic to or compatible with

   we understand each other

Derived Forms

• ˌunderˈstandable, adjective
• ˌunderˈstandably, adverb

Other Words From

• preun·der·stand verb preunderstood preunderstanding

Word History and Origins

Origin of understand¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English understanden, understonden, Old English understondan; cognate with Dutch onderstaan. See under-, stand

Word History and Origins

Origin of understand¹

Old English understandan; related to Old Frisian understonda, Middle High German understān step under; see under , stand

Idioms and Phrases

see give to understand .

Example Sentences

The researchers stress the importance of further studies, especially randomised controlled clinical trials, to better understand the mechanisms behind the findings.

From Science Daily

Knowing where the mRNA begins formation on the DNA strand is a significant part of understanding how genes are expressed.

From Science Daily

Consumers often take part in these technologies without fully understanding the implications.

From Los Angeles Times

To get a better sense of how tariffs can affect spending choices, it's important to understand how tariffs work.

From Salon

The BBC understands the regulator will say that any bonuses paid should be borne by owners and lenders to the company rather than paid by customers.

From BBC

Related Words

• apprehend
• catch
• comprehend
• fathom
• figure out
• follow
• get
• grasp
• know
• perceive
• register
• savvy
• sense

When To Use

What are other ways to say understand?

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.