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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.

Together, these insights are shaping a growing subfield known as evolutionary dentistry, using our evolutionary past to understand the dental problems of the present.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

"It is universally acknowledged the law prior to 2005 did not understand the seriousness and impact of crimes against children," she added.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

There is optimism in some financial and diplomatic quarters, and I understand why.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

When I moved here I began to understand her, to feel her.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

“When are you going to understand that you can’t make something out of nothing? You need to learn to stop watering dead things.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam




Vocabulary lists containing understand


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