understand Definition
- 1to comprehend or grasp the meaning of something
- 2to have knowledge or be familiar with a particular subject or situation
Using understand: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "understand" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I don't understand what you're saying.
Example
She understands French fluently.
Example
He doesn't understand the concept of personal space.
Example
Do you understand the instructions?
understand Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for understand
Antonyms for understand
Idioms Using understand
if you understand what I mean
used to check if the listener understands the speaker's intended meaning
Example
I had to take care of some 'business' last night, if you understand what I mean.
to become familiar with the way things are done in a particular situation or organization
Example
It took me a few weeks to understand the ropes at my new job.
a mistake that is easy to comprehend or forgive
Example
It was an understandable mistake given the circumstances.
Phrases with understand
understand someone's point of view
to see things from someone else's perspective
Example
I can understand your frustration with the situation.
understand the implications
to recognize the potential consequences of something
Example
It's important to understand the implications of your actions before making a decision.
difficult to comprehend or make sense of
Example
The instructions were hard to understand, so I had to ask for help.
Origins of understand
from Old English 'understandan', meaning 'to stand in the midst of, be among, be acquainted with'
Summary: understand in Brief
'Understand' [ˌʌndərˈstænd] means to comprehend or grasp the meaning of something, or to have knowledge or be familiar with a particular subject or situation. It is used in phrases like 'understand someone's point of view' and 'hard to understand,' and idioms like 'if you understand what I mean.'
