understanding

Pluralunderstandings (some meanings)

1. 1
   graspnoununcountablewith of

   The mental process of grasping the meaning of something; the act of comprehending.

   Like a blurry photo slowly snapping into focus.

   A deep understanding of grammar takes years to develop.

   Real understanding comes from working through problems, not from memorizing answers.

   UsageUse of for what is understood: an understanding of grammar. With an adjective it often takes a: a deep understanding.

   Similarcomprehension, grasp

   Oppositeincomprehension, ignorance, misunderstanding

2. 2
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of understand.

   Without understanding the local customs, the visitors kept offending their hosts by accident.

   Understanding the client's needs is essential before drafting a proposal.

   UsageFor a simple state, use I understand (not incorrect: I am understanding). The -ing form takes a direct object: understanding the rules.

3. 3
   viewnouncountablewith of

   A person's opinion, judgment, or way of looking at something.

   Like the version of a story you carry in your own mind.

   It was my understanding that the meeting had been canceled.

   Their understanding of the situation differed sharply from the official account.

   UsageOften a polite hedge: my understanding is that…, it was my understanding that…, leaving room to be corrected.

   Similarimpression, belief, interpretation, perception, view

   Note

   Academic writing readily makes this sense plural. Vivian Patraka writes of a "profusion of discourses and understandings," and the essay collection God at 2000 speaks of "many understandings of God."

4. 4
   agreementnouncountablewith of

   An informal agreement, often unwritten, especially one that settles differences between people.

   Like a handshake deal that holds even without paperwork.

   The two companies reached an understanding without signing any formal contract.

   After years of arguing over the fence, the neighbors finally reached an understanding about who would trim the hedge.

   UsagePeople have an understanding, or reach or come to one, often after a dispute. I thought we had an understanding is a complaint.

5. 5
   good relationsnoununcountable

   Mutual awareness and acceptance of one another's feelings and opinions, which keeps people or groups on good terms.

   Years of student exchanges fostered a greater understanding between the two nations.

   Interfaith meetings aim to promote understanding among different religious communities.

   UsageUsually with between or among: greater understanding between nations. Compare reach an understanding, which is an agreement.

   Similarrapport, goodwill, harmony, accord

   Oppositehostility, discord, mistrust, intolerance

6. 6
   sympatheticadjective

   Showing compassion, tolerance, and patience; sympathetically aware of others' feelings.

   Like a cushion that softens someone's hard fall.

   His understanding boss let him take time off after the loss.

   The neighbors were understanding about the late-night noise during the move.

   UsageTakes very and more: very understanding. Often be understanding about something, or understanding of a person's needs.

   Similarsympathetic, compassionate, tolerant, patient, considerate

   Oppositeunsympathetic, intolerant, unforgiving, harsh

7. 7
   nouncountablewith of

   The mental power to reason, grasp the full meaning of knowledge, and draw conclusions.

   Like a lens that brings difficult ideas into sharp view.

   His keen understanding let him solve problems that baffled everyone else.

   Philosophers once treated the understanding as a distinct faculty of the mind.

   Note

   Here the word names a capacity of the mind rather than an act: philosophers once spoke of the understanding as a faculty, and a person can be praised for a keen understanding. Unlike the act of comprehending, it describes what someone is able to grasp, so one person's understanding can be weighed against another's.

8. 8
   noununcountablewith of

   The sympathy someone feels or shows for another person's troubles, as something they can have, offer, or ask for.

   Like a steady hand on the shoulder of someone in pain.

   The counselor met every story with warmth and understanding.

   They thanked the manager for her understanding during the difficult months.

   UsageCommon in thank you for your understanding, said after asking people to accept a problem or delay.

   Similarsympathy, compassion, empathy, consideration, kindness

   Oppositeindifference, callousness, coldness

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