understand

play

verb un·der·stand \ˌən-dər-ˈstand\

Definition of understand

understood

play \ˌən-dər-ˈstu̇d\;

understanding

transitive verb
1a : to grasp the meaning of understand Russianb : to grasp the reasonableness of his behavior is hard to understandc : to have thorough or technical acquaintance with or expertness in the practice of understand financed : 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

understandability

play \ˌən-dər-ˌstan-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

understandable

play \ˌən-dər-ˈstan-də-bəl\ adjective

See understand defined for English-language learners

See understand defined for kids

Examples of understand in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of understand from the Web

Maybe Carlos could make this stranger understand how his family had fallen so quickly.

— alden woods, azcentral, "'Here for the eviction': More renters forced from homes as affordable-housing crisis deepens," 16 July 2017
What leads to prematurity itself is not fully understood: even a tentative cause can be identified in only about half of such births.

— The Economist, "Progress pausedThe decline in mortality among black babies has stopped," 15 July 2017
The party bosses who prosper understand that to control the nominating process is to control the government, and to control the government is to be able to use it as their personal piggy bank.

— frank scaturro, National Review, "How a Political Machine Crushes Conservatism — and Democracy," 13 July 2017
Understanding the sun's magnetic cycle is, therefore, of utmost importance to space-weather forecasters hoping to better prepare our high-technology society for the potentially expensive damage that powerful solar storms could cause.

— ian o'neill space.com contributor, Fox News, "The Sun might be an 'ordinary' star after all," 13 July 2017
But what the shows that followed missed — and what director Daniel Forer’s 30 for 30 documentary understands — is that Mike and the Mad Dog worked because of its central relationship.

— christopher rosen, EW.com, "Mike and the Mad Dog reunion unlikely," 12 July 2017
But what the customer doesn't understand is YOU'RE BEING TIMED!

— noelle devoe, Seventeen, "24 Struggles All Fast Food Workers Can Relate To," 10 July 2017
The show is television through and through, if also at the same time self-reflexive enough to understand its own place in the television landscape.

— corey atad, Esquire, "Twin Peaks Gains Some Forward Momentum and Begins to Reflect the Real World," 10 July 2017
Former NFL offensive lineman Tavon Rooks, who entered the league in 2014 as a sixth-round pick of the Saints, fully understands the mentality.

— herbie teope, NOLA.com, "'A really long road back:' Exertional heat stroke a silent threat in football," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'understand.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of understand

Middle English, from Old English understandan, from under + standan to stand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

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

UNDERSTAND Defined for English Language Learners

understand

play

verb

Definition of understand for English Language Learners

: to know the meaning of (something, such as the words that someone is saying or a language)
: to know how (something) works or happens
: to know how (someone) thinks, feels, or behaves

UNDERSTAND Defined for Kids

understand

play

verb un·der·stand \ˌən-dər-ˈstand\

Definition of understand for Students

understood

\-ˈstu̇d\;

understanding

1 : to get the meaning of Do you understand my instructions?
2 : to know thoroughly I understand Spanish. She understands the situation.
3 : to have reason to believe I understand that they will come today.
4 : to take as meaning something not clearly made known I understand the letter to be a refusal.
5 : to have a sympathetic attitude Don't worry, I understand how you feel.
6 : to accept as settled It is understood that I will pay.