Understandingly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone listens or reacts in a way that shows they understand a situation or a person's feelings.

• She nodded understandingly as he explained his troubles.
• He looked at her understandingly and said he knew how she felt.

Used when someone fully grasps the meaning or significance of something. This word is less about emotions and more about intellectual understanding.

• The teacher smiled comprehendingly when the student finally solved the problem.
• She read the complex text comprehendingly, noting down the key points.

Used when someone shows pity or sorrow for another person's misfortune or emotional distress. This word has a connotation of feeling sorry for someone.

• She patted him on the back sympathetically when she heard about his loss.
• He nodded sympathetically as his friend recounted the disappointing news.

Used when someone understands and shares another person's feelings from their perspective. It involves a deeper emotional connection than just understanding.

• He listened empathetically to her story, feeling her pain as his own.
• She spoke empathetically with the grieving family, offering support and comfort.