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1. The cognitive condition of someone who understands
   "he has virtually no understanding of social cause and effect";
   - apprehension, discernment, savvy
    
2. The statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises
   "there was an understanding between management and the workers";
   - agreement
    
3. An inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
   "I knew I could count on his understanding";
   - sympathy
    
4. The capacity for rational thought, inference or discrimination
   "we are told that man is endowed with understanding and capable of distinguishing good from evil";
   - reason, intellect

1. Characterized by understanding based on comprehension and discernment and empathy
   "an understanding friend"

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: understandings

See also: perceptive

Type of: believe, disposition, faculty, inclination, knowing, mental faculty, module, statement, tendency

Encyclopedia: Understanding