DictionaryAI

understand

un-der-STAND/ˌʌndɚˈstænd/un-duh-STAND/ˌʌndəˈstænd/

Formsunderstands, understanding, understood

8 meanings of understand

Practice

  1. 1
    comprehendverbtransitive
    To know what something means or how it works.

    Like a light turning on in your head when something finally makes sense.

    Students finally understand the rule after the teacher's example.

    She understood the danger only after the accident.

    UsageUsually say I understand rather than I am understanding.

    Similarcomprehend, grasp, realize, see, appreciate

  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To know why a person acts the way they do, or why something happened.

    Like seeing the real reason behind what someone does.

    I understand her reasons for leaving the company.

    After years together, he finally understood his brother.

    Similarfathom, grasp, comprehend, appreciate, discern

    Oppositemisunderstand, misjudge

  3. 3
    verbintransitive
    To kindly accept someone's situation, request or choice without being upset, often used with if.

    If you're too tired to come tonight, I'll understand.

    Everyone will understand if you miss the party because your dog is sick.

    Similarsympathize

  4. 4
    verbtransitive
    To believe something is true from what you have heard or worked out, even if you are not sure.

    Like thinking you know the plan from what other people told you.

    I understand the store opens at nine on weekdays.

    I understand your sister is moving to Denver next month.

    UsageSay I understand to pass on news: I understand she's ill.

    Similargather, hear, believe, assume, infer

    Note
  5. 5
    verbtransitive
    To know a job or skill well enough to do it properly.

    Like a cook who knows every recipe by heart.

    We only hire cooks who truly understand the job.

    Let Mia run the shop this summer. She really understands the business.

    Similarknow, master, grasp

Less common meanings

  1. 6
    assume (grammar)verbtransitive
    To treat a word as included in a sentence even though it is not actually written or spoken.

    Like filling in a word that everyone knows belongs there but no one says out loud.

    In the command 'Sit!', we understand the word 'you' even though it is not said.

    Readers understood the missing verb from the surrounding words.

    Similarimply, infer, supply, assume

    Note
  2. 7
    got itinterjectionMalaysiaSingapore
    Used to show you have heard and accept what someone just said.

    Like saying "got it" to show you heard someone.

    "We need this done by Friday." "Understand. I'll start right now."

    "Don't tell anyone yet." "Understand, I'll keep it quiet."

    Similarroger, okay

    Note
  3. 8
    verbrare
    To stand under something and hold it up, supporting it from below.
    LAUNE: Ay, and what I do too: look thee, I'll but lean, and my staff understands me. SPEED: It stands under thee, indeed. LAUNCE:Why, stand-under and under-stand is all one.
    c. 1590, William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”Here, understands means stands under and holds up, so the staff supports him.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of understand apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Old English understandan, made from under- (meaning "between") plus standan "to stand."

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 4 facts