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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.

See Examples For:

“I didn’t understand how anybody could be going about their lives, just driving and making plans.”

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 29, 2026

I understand that our situation could change in the future.

From MarketWatch Jul. 29, 2026

"If we don't understand what climate change, ocean warming or acidification does to coral ecosystems, there is a chance we're going to lose them," Ravasi said.

From Barron's Jul. 29, 2026

"Wimbledon has understood one of the biggest shifts in global marketing. For decades, premium brands believed exclusivity came from distance. However, today they understand that exclusivity comes from belonging," says Bhalla.

From BBC Jul. 28, 2026

It was not until I was through the farmyard gate and out into the field that I could begin to understand what was happening.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Our son understands that there will be costs associated with probating our wills.

From MarketWatch Jul. 29, 2026

The BBC understands police were unable to verify the origin of the ashes, but believed they may not be human.

From BBC Jul. 28, 2026

Dennis Dahmer, who is 73, similarly understands the stakes of what the court has done by rolling back key protections the VRA established.

From Slate Jul. 27, 2026

No movie this year understands that better than “Obsession,” the $750,000 low-budget film directed by a 26-year-old that just surpassed $400 million at the global box office.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 26, 2026

He wouldn’t think to tell me of Willa’s visit, but understands that I’ve spent countless hours revisiting that final hug?

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

It is understood Savinho is keen to leave during this transfer window, with the machinations towards his potential move to London now under way.

From BBC Jul. 28, 2026

My mother, an excellent cook, understood repetition better.

From Salon Jul. 28, 2026

So he encourages people to identify the relationships in their lives that already make them feel safe and understood, and to use them "as a vehicle for becoming more secure overall".

From BBC Jul. 28, 2026

They appear to have understood that elephant bone offered advantages over more widely available animal bones.

From Science Daily Jul. 27, 2026

They trudged on, and soon Torak understood why the Nanuak had tired Renn.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding with Lockheed Martin to jointly produce American missiles in Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 29, 2026

A Tigers spokesperson told The Times on Tuesday that the team’s understanding is that the squirrel was in “fine health” after it was removed and released.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 28, 2026

"From now on, I want to work harder to increase dialogue and build better mutual understanding."

From BBC Jul. 27, 2026

Reacting to the forecast, Sanchez said: "I ask for understanding and call on all citizens in all the country to exercise extreme caution and take every possible precaution."

From Barron's Jul. 27, 2026

After it was all over and the monkeys had again disappeared in the treetops, I looked to Rowdy for some kind of understanding.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls




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