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.

He said he’s aimed to take the shame out of talking about sperm health and instead get people to understand the body’s biological functions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

This made it difficult to track populations, understand their genetic health, or identify where trafficked animals were stolen from.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

To understand where the system breaks down, we must begin with PBMs — the middlemen hired by health plans to negotiate lower prices from drug manufacturers and manage prescription drug benefits for patients.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

“It’s a very unique situation where people can go and see the neighborhood, understand it better.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Now I understand the true meaning of the word.

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

understand

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words