understand

verb
UK: /ˌʌndəˈstænd/
US: /ˌʌndərˈstænd/

  1. To know the meaning of something.

    1. I understand the words, but not the sentence. [ ] [ ]
    2. Do you understand the instructions before starting the exam? [ ] [ ]

  2. To know or realize something.

    1. I understand that you are busy now. [ ] [ ]
    2. We understand their decision to move to another country for work. [ ] [ ]

  3. To believe that something is true.

    1. I understand he's living in London now. [ ] [ ]
    2. I understand that you are not happy with the current situation. [ ] [ ]

  4. To be sympathetic to someone's feelings.

    1. I understand how you must feel. [ ] [ ]
    2. We understand your disappointment at not winning the competition. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

grasp know realize perceive comprehend

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "understand" in English means: To know the meaning of something., To know or realize something., To believe that something is true., To be sympathetic to someone's feelings..

The phonetic transcription of "understand" is /ˌʌndəˈstænd/ in British English and /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "understand": grasp, know, realize, perceive, comprehend.

Example usage of "understand": "I understand the words, but not the sentence.". More examples on the page.