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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:

"You've got that open dialogue, so they understand there's only a finite amount of money, and we've got a plan on how to do that best," she says.

From BBC Jul. 24, 2026

I’d appreciate an explanation that a beginner like me can understand.

From MarketWatch Jul. 24, 2026

Yet more data is needed to understand the importance of family in detail and to correct misinterpretations that appear to be supported by the absence of such data.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 24, 2026

“What needs to happen now is more education so that the businesses actually understand the scope,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 24, 2026

As my parents booted me from their tiny rooms, they said I’d understand when the time came.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Who understands even his own religion, let alone the religions of others?

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 23, 2026

BBC Sport understands there have to be "exceptional circumstances" to justify the effort and that, in these cases, time might have been of the essence with a need for prompt testing.

From BBC Jul. 22, 2026

According to veteran observers of Israeli politics, Mr. Netanyahu understands that these policies are unpopular.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 21, 2026

He presents himself not as a political press secretary but as the experienced operator who understands what federal agents need and how immigration enforcement must work.

From Salon Jul. 21, 2026

“The one who understands how truly valuable this property is.”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

There's scant to no clinical evidence supporting such promises, and doctors have voiced concern that endorsing weakly understood if trendy substances could direct patients away from treatments backed by evidence.

From Barron's Jul. 24, 2026

But when I understood the connection last year, I tried to get in touch with Professor Strachan to thank her, only to find out that, in 2022, she died after a long battle with cancer.

From Salon Jul. 24, 2026

The Gunners also have Como's Jacobo Ramon on a list of defenders they would like to bring in, but it is understood clauses in the Spaniard's contract make a deal difficult.

From BBC Jul. 23, 2026

Hilda Solis, in a statement, said she understood the frustration and concerns of residents, including those calling for a mandatory evacuation.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 23, 2026

I do not want it understood that the Catholic Church has advised me to make these public disclosures and confessions.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Wang called for an early resumption of negotiations and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xinhua reported.

From Barron's Jul. 24, 2026

"Society is playing catch-up," says Ben Branson, an entrepreneur who runs a charity called The Hidden 20%, which campaigns for better understanding of neurodivergence.

From BBC Jul. 24, 2026

Thousands of other users posted their thoughts online about this poll question, with some lamenting the respondents’ lack of understanding of probability.

From MarketWatch Jul. 24, 2026

Legal codes, he suggests, exist to regulate behavior that evolution shaped, and so should, in his view, rest on an understanding of where that behavior comes from.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 24, 2026

“Noooo,” I wail, understanding no matter what, Caesar’s leaving.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes




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