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v. un·der·stood (-std), un·der·stand·ing, un·der·stands v.tr. 1. a. To become aware of the nature and significance of; know or comprehend: She understands the difficulty involved. b. To become aware of the intended meaning of (a person or remark, for example): We understand what they're saying; we just disagree with it. When he began describing his eccentric theories, we could no longer understand him. c. To know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward: hoped that they would understand my complaint. 2. To know thoroughly by close contact or long experience with: That teacher understands children. I understand the basics of car repair. 3. a. To learn indirectly or infer, as from hearsay: I understand his departure was unexpected. Am I to understand you are staying the night? b. To assume to be or accept as agreed: It is understood that the fee will be $50. 4. To supply or add (words or a meaning, for example) mentally: A verb is understood at the end of the statement "Yes, let's." v.intr. 1. a. To have understanding, knowledge, or comprehension. b. To have sympathy or tolerance: You're upset. I understand. 2. To learn something indirectly or secondhand; gather. [Middle English understanden, from Old English understandan : under-, under- + standan, to stand; see stā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] Synonyms: understand, comprehend, apprehend, grasp These verbs denote perception of the nature and significance of something. Understand is the most general and can apply to a range of situations or degrees of perception: understood the directions; understands only a little spoken Spanish; couldn't understand what I did wrong. It can also refer to the thorough knowledge gained by close experience: "No one who has not had the responsibility can really understand what it is like to be President" (Harry S. Truman). Comprehend stresses wide or thorough perception: "To comprehend is to know a thing as well as that thing can be known" (John Donne). Apprehend denotes both mental and intuitive awareness: "Intelligence is quickness to apprehend" (Alfred North Whitehead). To grasp is to seize an idea firmly: "We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount" (Omar N. Bradley). |
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