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Definitions

understand

[uhn-der-stand] / ˌʌn dərˈstænd /
VERB
comprehend, grasp
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apprehend catch comprehend fathom figure out follow get grasp know perceive register savvy sense
STRONG
appreciate deduce discern infer interpret master note penetrate realize recognize see
WEAK
be aware be conscious of be with it catch on get the hang of get the idea get the picture get the point have knowledge of ken make out make sense of take in take meaning
Antonyms
STRONGEST
be ignorant lose misinterpret miss misunderstand not get overlook
WEAK
mistake
VERB
think, believe, assume
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assume believe gather hear infer suppose surmise think
STRONG
concede conclude conjecture consider deduce expect fancy guess imagine know learn presume reckon
WEAK
be informed count on suspect take for granted
Antonyms
STRONG
disregard doubt ignore mistake neglect
VERB
sympathetically accept
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accept appreciate empathize sympathize
STRONG
identify with sympathize with
WEAK
empathize with feel for

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.

“We don’t understand how some shipowners are still taking their vessels there, exposing seafarers. It’s absolutely unacceptable,” said Mohamed Arrachedi, who handles requests from seafarers in the Arab world and Iran for the federation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

A spokesperson for Contra Costa Health Plan said Medi-Cal health plans are not required by the state to track vision benefits and that it would take time to understand the data.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

"And they also understand that when they go on to pass, it's going to be something that's going to impact them as well."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Once you understand the fears and motivations of undocumented immigrants, you realize that most of what’s said about them makes no sense.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

How could he explain about death when he didn’t understand it himself?

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.