easy
I understand the directions now that I have seen an example.
What does Understand mean?
Understand means know what something means, how it works, or how someone feels.
Dictionary definition
Understand means grasp the meaning, reason, importance, or working of something; know a subject or language well enough to use it; recognize another person's feelings; or take information, words, or an agreement in a particular way.
Example sentences
Understand in a sentence
easy
Maya understands Spanish well enough to follow the song.
medium
Because I have felt left out before, I understand why Sam is upset.
medium
I understand that the science club will meet after school.
hard
The team understood the coach's silence as a sign to keep working.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Understand
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does understand mean in “Nia understands how the machine works”?
Here, understand means have clear knowledge of how something works.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses understand to show sympathy?
The speaker recognizes another person's feelings and situation.
Practice 3
What does “I understand that the library closes at six” mean?
In this pattern, understand introduces information the speaker believes is true.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Understand
Voice settings
Sounds like
un · der · stand · strongest beat: stand
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUnderstand.
Partverb.
MeaningUnderstand means know what something means, how it works, or how someone feels.
ExampleExample: I understand the directions now that I have seen an example.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- un · der · stand
- Strongest beat
- stand
- Ending
- stand
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on stand.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Understand
comprehendClose when understand means grasp the meaning or nature of an idea, often through thought.
graspClose in everyday use for reaching a clear mental understanding of something.
appreciateClose when understand means recognize the importance, difficulty, or true nature of something.
sympathizeClose only when understand means recognize and share concern for another person's feelings or situation.
Antonyms
Opposite words
misunderstandA direct contrast when someone gets the wrong meaning, reason, or intention instead of understanding it correctly.
Synonym practice
Want to practice understand synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The students tried to comprehend the new rule," then compare close word choices. Practice understand synonyms.
Word family
Understand word family
Base word
understand
verb
understood
The past-tense and past-participle form of understand.
noun
understanding
Knowledge or agreement; understanding can also describe a sympathetic attitude or serve as the -ing verb form.
adjective
understandable
Able to be understood, or reasonable in the circumstances.
adverb
understandably
In a way that is reasonable or easy to explain.
verb
misunderstand
To understand something incorrectly.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Understand
Hint for students
Ask whether the person grasps a meaning or process, knows a language or subject, recognizes feelings, or reports information they believe.
Common mix-up
Understand is deeper than memorize. A student may repeat a rule from memory without understanding why the rule works.
Try it in class or at home
Give students four short situations: explaining a process, translating a sentence, responding to a friend, and reporting news. Students write one understand sentence for each and label the sense.
Teacher prompt
Compare “I understand the rule,” “I understand how you feel,” and “I understand that the trip is cancelled.” What kind of understanding appears in each sentence?
Word Wheel
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This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
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Synonym Search
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