Understand Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
understand
[หสndษrหstรฆnd ]
Definitions
communication
Perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or speaker)
Synonyms
comprehend, get the drift of, grasp.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| understand |
Used in everyday conversation and academic settings to indicate general comprehension.
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| comprehend |
Used in formal contexts and often implies a deeper level of understanding.
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| grasp |
Often used when talking about understanding difficult or complex concepts. Can imply a strong and confident understanding.
|
| get the drift of |
Used in informal conversation to indicate a basic or general understanding. Sometimes implies that the understanding is not complete.
|
Examples of usage
- I can't understand what you are saying
- She doesn't understand English very well
sympathy
Be sympathetically or knowledgeably aware of the character or nature of
Synonyms
be understanding of, empathize with, relate to.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| understand |
This is a general term used to show that you comprehend or have knowledge about a subject or situation.
|
| empathize with |
This is used to describe the ability to deeply understand someone else's feelings or emotional state by putting yourself in their place.
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| relate to |
This phrase is used when you recognize similarities between yourself and someone else's experiences, feelings, or situation.
|
| be understanding of |
This phrase is used when someone is showing sympathy or tolerance toward someone else's feelings or situation.
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Examples of usage
- She understands the difficulties he's going through
- He doesn't understand the pain she's feeling
knowledge
Know how to interpret or deal with
Synonyms
comprehend, get the hang of, grasp.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| understand |
Used in general situations to mean recognizing the meaning, significance, or nature of something. It is neutral in tone and widely applicable.
|
| comprehend |
Typically used in more formal or academic contexts. It implies grasping the full meaning or significance of something, often after deep thought.
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| grasp |
Can be used both literally (to hold tightly) and figuratively (to understand deeply). It often implies a firm or complete understanding.
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| get the hang of |
Informal and often used in casual conversations. It refers to becoming skilled at something after some practice.
|
Examples of usage
- She understands the importance of this project
- He doesn't understand the rules of the game
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Cognitive scientists study understanding as a higher-order process that involves not just recognizing information, but interpreting and integrating it.
- The ability to understand is linked to empathy; understanding others' feelings and perspectives can significantly foster connections.
Education
- Metacognition, or 'thinking about thinking', is crucial for understanding complex concepts, allowing students to evaluate their comprehension.
- Teachers often use techniques like summarization and questioning to help students achieve better understanding of the material.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate what it means to truly understand something, suggesting it encompasses both knowledge and the ability to apply it.
- Many argue that understanding is deeply personal; what one person grasps may differ significantly from another's interpretation.
Pop Culture
- The concept of 'understanding' often appears in songs and literature, symbolizing love and connection, where knowing someone well is prized.
- Movies often depict the journey of characters working toward understanding each other after conflicts, highlighting human relationships.
Origin of 'understand'
Main points about word origin
- The word traces back to Old English 'understandan', meaning to stand in the midst of something, indicating a deep connection with a subject.
- Its parts 'under' and 'stand' show a metaphor of support, as if you are standing under the weight of knowledge.
The word 'understand' originated from the Old English word 'understandan', which meant 'comprehend, grasp the idea of'. The prefix 'under' implies 'among, between' and the root 'standan' means 'to stand'. Therefore, 'understand' originally meant 'stand among or between'. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning of perceiving or comprehending something.
See also: under, underage, underbelly, underbody, underfed, underhanded, underling, underneath, underpants, underside, underwear.