un·der·stand·ing
(ŭńdər-stăńdĭng)
noun
- The quality or condition of one who understands; comprehension.
- The faculty by which one understands; intelligence. See synonyms at reason
- Individual or specified judgment or outlook; opinion.
- A compact implicit between two or more people or groups.
- The matter implicit in such a compact.
- A reconciliation of differences; a state of agreement: They finally reached an understanding.
- A disposition to appreciate or share the feelings and thoughts of others; sympathy.
adjective
- Characterized by or having comprehension, good sense, or discernment.
- Compassionate; sympathetic.
derivatives
- uńder·stand́ing·ly
- adverb
un·der·stand
(ŭńdər-stănd́)
[Middle English understanden, from Old English understandan, under-, under-, + standan, to stand.]
verb: -stood (-stŏŏd́), -stand·ing, -stands.
transitive verb
- To perceive and comprehend the nature and significance of; grasp. See synonyms at apprehend
- To know thoroughly by close contact or long experience with: That teacher understands children.
- To grasp or comprehend the meaning intended or expressed by (another): They have trouble with English, but I can understand them.
- To comprehend the language, sounds, form, or symbols of.
- To know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward: I can understand your point of view even though I disagree with it.
- To learn indirectly, as by hearsay: I understand his departure was unexpected.
- To infer: Am I to understand you are staying the night?
- To accept (something) as an agreed fact: It is understood that the fee will be 50 dollars.
- To supply or add (words or a meaning, for example) mentally.
intransitive verb
- To have understanding, knowledge, or comprehension.
- To have sympathy or tolerance.
- To learn something indirectly or secondhand; gather.
