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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.

"What we wanted to understand was why that happens, and how much those mental ups and downs actually matter."

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

He said: "Ours is very much more looking at sewerage indicators and, where we find those, we can then begin to work to understand where they've come from."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“The lag obscures the connection, but it doesn’t break it. Retirees on fixed incomes managing multiple prescriptions need to understand that today’s oil prices are tomorrow’s drug costs.”

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

“Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this,” Gaines said in a post on X. “Does he actually think this?”

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

I don’t understand how he would need to examine the map for so long.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing understand

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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"Kids Like Me: Voices of the Immigrant Experience"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Foundational Reading

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!