Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Verb: understand (understood)  ,ún-du(r)'stand
  1. Know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
    "She did not understand her husband"; "I understand what she means"
     
  2. Perceive (an idea or situation) mentally
    "I don't understand the idea";
    - realize, realise [Brit], see
     
  3. Make sense of a language
    "She understands French";
    - read, interpret, translate
     
  4. Believe to be the case
    "I understand you have no previous experience?";
    - infer
     
  5. Be understanding of
    "You don't need to explain--I understand!";
    - sympathize, sympathise [Brit], empathize, empathise [Brit]

Derived forms: understands, understanding, understood

Type of: believe

Encyclopedia: Understand