Definition and meaning of English word "understand"
understand
/ʌndərˈstænd/
Meaning
VerbTo know the meaning of; to parse or have parsed correctly; to comprehend.
How to use
The verb 'understand' is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to express comprehension of information, concepts, or ideas. A common grammatical nuance is using 'understand' with a gerund or a clause, e.g., 'I understand what you're saying.' It's essential to note that learners often confuse 'understand' with 'know', but 'understand' implies a deeper level of comprehension. For instance, 'I know the answer' implies familiarity, whereas 'I understand the concept' implies a grasp of the underlying idea.
🇬🇧 English
understand
Example
Can you explain it so I can understand?
I don't understand the math problem.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- understand the concept— to grasp an idea or theory
- understand the implications— to realize the consequences
- fail to understand— to not comprehend something
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #948 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "understand" mean?▼
The English word "understand" means "understand" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "understand"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "understand" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "understand"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I don't understand what you're saying." (which translates as "understand").
More Core Verbs words
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