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Definitions

understand

[uhn-der-stand] / ˌʌn dərˈstænd /




Usage

What are other ways to say understand? To understand is to be fully aware not only of the meaning of something but also of its implications: I could comprehend all he said, but did not understand that he was joking. To know is to be aware of something as a fact or truth: He knows the basic facts of the subject. I know that he agrees with me. To comprehend is to know something thoroughly and to perceive its relationships to certain other ideas, facts, etc. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Understand Jack and you might be able to understand what happens on the island.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: Understand how 20-year term life insurance works, costs and who it can help the most.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Understand why your investment thesis could be wrong.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

Understand that Gen Z’s backlash could be a temporary shift and not a permanent one.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 14, 2025

His jest made, he amended, “You ain’t Mr. Gitney’s child. Understand? Dr. Trefusis says she was big with child when she arrived.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson




Vocabulary lists containing understand


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