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understand


un·der·stand

verb \ˌən-dər-ˈstand\
un·der·stood\-ˈstd\un·der·stand·ing

Definition of UNDERSTAND

transitive verb
1
a : to grasp the meaning of <understand Russian> b : to grasp the reasonableness of <his behavior is hard to understand> c : to have thorough or technical acquaintance with or expertness in the practice of <understand finance> d : to be thoroughly familiar with the character and propensities of <understands children>
2
: to accept as a fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty <we understand that he is returning from abroad>
3
: to interpret in one of a number of possible ways
4
: to supply in thought as though expressed <“to be married” is commonly understood after the word engaged>
intransitive verb
1
: to have understanding : have the power of comprehension
2
: to achieve a grasp of the nature, significance, or explanation of something
3
: to believe or infer something to be the case
4
: to show a sympathetic or tolerant attitude toward something
un·der·stand·abil·i·ty \-ˌstan-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
un·der·stand·able \-ˈstan-də-bəl\ adjective

Examples of UNDERSTAND

  1. I can't understand a word you're saying.
  2. I don't understand these directions.
  3. I want you to stay away from her. Do you understand?
  4. I don't understand how this is supposed to work.
  5. He doesn't really understand the situation.
  6. You should read the book in order to understand more about the subject.
  7. I can't understand why she would do such a thing.
  8. She's beginning to understand what's going on.
  9. You have to understand that I had no other choice.
  10. At first we didn't get along, but I think we understand each other now.

Origin of UNDERSTAND

Middle English, from Old English understandan, from under + standan to stand
First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of UNDERSTAND

understand, comprehend, appreciate mean to have a clear or complete idea of. understand and comprehend are very often interchangeable. understand may, however, stress the fact of having attained a firm mental grasp of something <orders that were fully understood and promptly obeyed>. comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually <I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this>. appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature <failed to appreciate the risks involved>.

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