understanding

Pluralunderstandings (some meanings)

1. 1
   graspnoununcountablewith of

   The mental work of figuring out what something means.

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

   Her understanding of the problem grew as she read more.

   Reading the directions twice gave him a clear understanding.

   UsageUse of: an understanding of the problem. You can say a clear understanding.

   Similarcomprehension, grasp

   Oppositeincomprehension, ignorance, misunderstanding

2. 2
   verb

   The -ing form of understand. Use it to name the action, or after a noun to describe it.

   After reading the note twice, she nodded, finally understanding what he meant.

   Understanding the rules helped him play better.

   UsageUsually say I understand (not incorrect: I am understanding). The -ing form needs no of: understanding the rules.

3. 3
   viewnouncountablewith of

   The way a person sees or thinks about something.

   Like the picture you build in your own head about something.

   My understanding is that the store closes at six.

   Her understanding of the plan was different from mine.

   UsageA polite way to say what you believe: my understanding is that…

   Similarimpression, belief, interpretation, perception, view

   Note
4. 4
   agreementnouncountablewith of

   An agreement between people, often not written down, that may end a disagreement.

   Like a promise between friends that nobody writes down.

   We had an understanding that I would pay him back next week.

   We have an understanding: I cook on weekdays and she cooks on weekends.

   UsageYou have or reach an understanding with someone. I thought we had an understanding usually means you think an agreement has not been kept.

5. 5
   good relationsnoununcountable

   A feeling between people or groups that they know and accept each other's views, so they get along.

   There is a deep understanding between the two old friends.

   The two neighbors argued for years, but now there is understanding between them.

   UsageUse between or among: understanding between two friends.

   Similarrapport, goodwill, harmony, accord

   Oppositehostility, discord, mistrust, intolerance

6. 6
   sympatheticadjective

   Kind and patient toward other people's feelings and problems.

   Like a friend who listens to you without getting angry.

   My teacher was very understanding when I missed the test.

   She stays kind and understanding with the younger kids.

   UsageYou can say very understanding. People are understanding about a problem.

   Similarsympathetic, compassionate, tolerant, patient, considerate

   Oppositeunsympathetic, intolerant, unforgiving, harsh

7. 7
   nouncountablewith of

   The power of the mind to think, learn, and work out what things mean.

   Like having a strong tool in your mind for working things out.

   A child's understanding grows quickly in the early years.

   Solving puzzles helps sharpen a student's understanding.

   Note
8. 8
   noununcountablewith of

   A kind feeling for someone who is having a hard time.

   Like a warm hug for someone who feels sad.

   She showed great understanding when he told her about his loss.

   He treated the new workers with patience and understanding.

   UsagePeople often say thank you for your understanding when something goes wrong.

   Similarsympathy, compassion, empathy, consideration, kindness

   Oppositeindifference, callousness, coldness

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