Meaning & use
understand
Last updated
To grasp the meaning, nature, or significance of something; to comprehend.
See it in a sentence
It took a while for the students to understand the new grammar rule.
I understand your concerns, but the decision has already been made.
A note on using this word
One of the most frequently used verbs in English, it can express both intellectual comprehension and empathetic acknowledgment.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “understand”, then compare your use with the examples above.