Understand

Quick meaning: Understand is a verb meaning (transitive, of a skill, task, profession, etc.) To be thoroughly familiar with; to be able to undertake properly.

Meaning

(transitive, of a skill, task, profession, etc.) To be thoroughly familiar with; to be able to undertake properly.

More Meanings

1. (transitive, usually with clause as object) To comprehend a fact or principle; to regard or come to regard a belief as such.
2. (transitive, of people) To know the intent, motives or character of; (of events) to know the causes of or reasons for.
3. (transitive) To believe or infer, to think one grasps sufficiently despite potentially incomplete knowledge.
4. (transitive, grammar) To regard as present when not.
5. (humorous, rare, obsolete outside circus, acrobatics) To stand underneath, to support.
6. (Singapore, Malaysia, backchanneling) Uh-huh, I see; a way to acknowledge something said by the other speaker.
7. (transitive, intransitive, of communication or means of communication: words, statements, signs, etc.) To know the meaning of; to parse or have parsed correctly; to comprehend.

Example Sentences

The students understood the assignment.

Can you repeat what you just said? I didn't understand.

I understand that company policy says I can't get a refund, but can you make an exception?

In reading this book, be very certain you never go past a word you do not fully understand.

Word Forms

• understands
• understanding
• understood
• understandest
• understoodest
• understandeth
• understanded
• understaund

Synonyms for understand

Depending on context, synonyms include apprehend, comprehend, grasp, know, perceive, realise.

Antonyms for understand

Common opposites include misunderstand.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include realize, infer, see, interpret, read, empathize.

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