Thesaurus

understand

Q: How is the word 'understand' distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and comprehend are common synonyms of understand . While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," understand and comprehend are very often interchangeable, with understand sometimes stressing the fact of having attained a firm mental grasp of something. // orders that were fully understood and promptly obeyed

Q: When is it sensible to use 'appreciate' instead of 'understand'?

The synonyms appreciate and understand are sometimes interchangeable, but appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature. // failed to appreciate the risks involved

Q: Where would 'comprehend' be a reasonable alternative to 'understand'?

Although the words comprehend and understand have much in common, comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually. // I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of understand

1 to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information

as I understand it, this is the best plan that we have

Synonyms for understand

Words Related to understand

assume,
suppose

Phrases Synonymous with understand

draw a conclusion

2 to have a practical understanding of

I think I understand how an engine works now

Synonyms for understand

Words Related to understand

appreciate,
apprehend,
cognize,
fathom,
follow,
ken
[chiefly Scottish],
perceive,
savvy

have,
possess

Near Antonyms for understand

3 to have a clear idea of

after a few weeks in Russia I began to understand the language a little bit

Synonyms for understand

Words Related to understand

realize

Phrases Synonymous with understand

pick up on

Near Antonyms for understand

Antonyms for understand

miss

Frequently Asked Questions About understand

How is the word understand distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and comprehend are common synonyms of understand. While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," understand and comprehend are very often interchangeable, with understand sometimes stressing the fact of having attained a firm mental grasp of something.

orders that were fully understood and promptly obeyed

When is it sensible to use appreciate instead of understand?

The synonyms appreciate and understand are sometimes interchangeable, but appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature.

failed to appreciate the risks involved

Where would comprehend be a reasonable alternative to understand?

Although the words comprehend and understand have much in common, comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually.

I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

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