Understood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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understood

[หŒสŒndษ™rหˆstสŠd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a conversation

Fully apprehended as to knowledge, belief, or opinion.

Synonyms

cognized, comprehended, grasped.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
understood

Use when discussing basic acknowledgment or general awareness of information. It does not imply deep insight.

  • I understood the directions you gave me.
  • He understood the rules of the game.
comprehended

Used when referring to a deeper, more thorough understanding of complex ideas or subjects.

  • She finally comprehended the complex theories in her biology class.
  • It took him years to fully comprehend the intricacies of the market.
grasped

Implies obtaining a clear and often intuitive understanding of a concept or situation, sometimes with a sense of sudden realization.

  • He finally grasped the essence of the problem.
  • Once she grasped the basic principles of the game, she improved quickly.
cognized

Rarely used in modern English, it implies formal or philosophical recognition or awareness of something.

  • The ancient philosopher cognized the nature of existence.
  • Through meditation, he cognized the true meaning of peace.

Examples of usage

  • I didn't mean to imply that they had a perfect understanding of what was going on.
  • I think you're beginning to get an understanding of what I'm talking about.
Context #2 | Verb

in a formal setting

To have understood the nature or meaning of; grasp.

Synonyms

cognized, comprehended, grasped.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
understood

Commonly used in everyday conversations to indicate that a person has heard and processed the information. It is neutral and versatile, suitable for both formal and informal settings.

  • I understood what you were trying to say.
  • Is everything understood?
comprehended

Indicates a deeper level of understanding, often used in academic or intellectual contexts. It implies not only knowing information but also fully understanding its meaning and implications.

  • She comprehended the complexities of quantum physics after years of dedicated research.
  • The intricacies of the novel were well comprehended by literary critics.
grasped

Used to imply a firm understanding of something, often after some effort. Can be used both in casual and formal situations; it may sometimes suggest initial difficulty in understanding.

  • He finally grasped the basic concepts of calculus after several tutoring sessions.
  • The detective grasped the significance of the evidence.
cognized

Rarely used in everyday language. More common in philosophical or academic discussions, indicating that someone has become aware or mindful of a concept.

  • He cognized the meaning of existentialism through intense study.
  • The phenomenon was first cognized in the late 19th century.

Examples of usage

  • I understood the lecture on quantum physics completely.
  • He understood the instructions and followed them carefully.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cognitive Psychology

  • Understanding involves processing information linguistically, socially, and emotionally, which can vary among individuals.
  • The notion of 'understanding' is linked to several cognitive levels, including perception, attention, and long-term memory retention.

Education

  • Comprehension strategies are essential in education, helping students to fully grasp and synthesize knowledge from texts.
  • Active engagement and critical thinking fosters a deeper understanding compared to passive memorization.

Communication

  • Empathetic listening is a key element in understanding; it allows you to appreciate another person's thoughts and feelings.
  • Misunderstandings can arise from differences in cultural context or language proficiency, highlighting the importance of clarity.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'I understood that reference' became a popular meme, highlighting moments when someone immediately recognizes a cultural or conversational cue.
  • 'Understanding' is a recurring theme in many songs and movies, emphasizing human connection and the importance of empathy.

Origin of 'understood'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'understandan', which means to stand in the midst of, or to stand among.
  • It has roots in Germanic languages, connecting to similar words in Dutch and German that denote the concept of comprehension.

The word 'understood' originates from the combination of 'under' and 'stood', implying the concept of standing beneath or comprehending. It has been used in the English language for centuries to convey the idea of grasping the meaning or significance of something.


See also: misunderstand, misunderstanding, misunderstandings, understandability, understandable, understandably, understanding, understandingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,320, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.