understand
verb
un·der·stand
ˌən-dər-ˈstand
understood
ˌən-dər-ˈstu̇d
; understanding
1
a
: to grasp the meaning of
understand Russian
I don't understand these directions.
b
: to grasp the reasonableness of
His behavior is hard to understand.
c
: to have thorough or technical acquaintance with or expertness in the practice of
understand finance
d
: to be thoroughly familiar with the character and propensities of
understands children
e
: to feel sympathy for someone's feelings or situation
I've been in your situation, so I understand what you're going through.
2
: to accept as a fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty
We understand that he is returning from abroad.
You have to understand that I had no choice.
3
: to interpret in one of a number of possible ways
I understood the response to be an acceptance of the offer.
4
: to supply in thought as though expressed
"to be married" is commonly understood after the word "engaged"
1
: to have understanding : have the power of comprehension
a child too young to understand
2
: to achieve a grasp of the nature, significance, or explanation of something
He told me what to do and I think I understand.
3
: to believe or infer something to be the case
"Are they coming?" "That's what I understand."
4
: to show a sympathetic or tolerant attitude toward something
Don't worry about being late. We understand.
Cite this Entry
“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understand. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.
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