understanding

1 of 2

noun

un·​der·​stand·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ 

1

: a mental grasp : comprehension

—usually used with of

They have a thorough/full understanding of the subject.

2

a

: the power of comprehending

especially : the capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars

b

: the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories

3

a

: a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side

After a long discussion they finally came to an understanding.

b

: friendly or harmonious relationship

working for better understanding between nations

c

: an agreement of opinion or feeling : adjustment of differences

reached an understanding with the children about using their phones

4

: explanation, interpretation

My understanding is you were going to help out.

5

: sympathy sense 2a

treats them with kindness and understanding

understanding

2 of 2

adjective

1

: endowed with understanding : tolerant, sympathetic

an understanding supervisor

2

archaic : knowing, intelligent

understandingly

ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of understanding

Noun

• agreement
• pact
• convention

Adjective

• compassionate
• sympathetic

Examples of understanding in a Sentence

Noun

He has a thorough understanding of the subject.

She has a basic understanding of the process.

I hope to get a clearer understanding of the issues involved.

He seems to have little understanding of our situation.

We have an understanding that whoever cooks doesn't have to do the dishes.

She treats them with kindness and understanding.

a relationship based on mutual understanding

Adjective

a kind and understanding teacher who often helps troubled students

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The increase — up from 1 in 36 children in 2020 — continues a long-term trend that experts have largely attributed to better understanding of and screening for the condition. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025

If a trick-or-treater holding a blue bucket visits your home this Halloween, the NAA recommends responding with understanding and kindness. —Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

Adjective

Chastain, who is the lead star and an executive producer of the series, was not especially understanding. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025

Thanks to Comedy Central and South Park fans for being so understanding. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing understanding

• achieve/reach an understanding
• beyond comprehension/understanding
• come to an understanding
• it is someone's understanding
• on the understanding that
• self-understanding

Rhymes for understanding

• notwithstanding
• reprimanding
• undemanding
• banding
• branding
• handing
• landing
• sanding
• standing
• stranding
• commanding
• demanding

Kids Definition

understanding

1 of 2 noun

un·​der·​stand·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ 

1

: knowledge and ability to judge : intelligence

a person of understanding

2

a

: agreement of opinion or feeling

b

: something agreed to by both sides and entered into silently or without ceremony

an understanding between two nations over trade

3

: one's belief about something based upon what is known

4

: sympathy

understanding

2 of 2 adjective

: having or showing understanding : tolerant, sympathetic

you seem very understanding

understandingly

-diŋ-lē 

adverb