understandably

adverb

un·​der·​stand·​ably ˌən-dər-ˈstan-də-blē How to pronounce understandably (audio)
: as can be easily understood : for understandable reasons
is understandably nervous

Examples of understandably in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That, together with his frequent references to the 2020 election being stolen, would seem perfectly adequate material to catalyze several news cycles of outrage, and understandably so. Rich Lowry, National Review, 20 Mar. 2024 Dear Carolyn: My mother-in-law is on oxygen, is wobbly on her feet, can’t hear or see very well, and is understandably forgetful. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 So Many Harms The debate around adolescents’ use of smartphones and social media typically revolves around mental health, and understandably so. Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2024 Reporters who received Bushnell’s email before the livestream were reeling, understandably so. Talia Jane, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024 Due to the wild, widespread nature of the rumors around the Princess, a paparazzi photo of her did understandably warrant a news story. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024 Cities in the path of the totality are, understandably, the most in demand. Bychris Morris, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 People are understandably nervous about taking risks. Adam Stott, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Those closest to her were understandably reluctant to give interviews. Thomas Lake, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'understandably.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of understandably was circa 1921

Dictionary Entries Near understandably

Cite this Entry

“Understandably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understandably. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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