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understand

[uhn-der-stand] / ˌʌn dərˈstænd /




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.

Former Mexican and American security officials note that while the February confrontations exposed how little control the government exerts over parts of Jalisco, the cartels understand the economics of the moment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

"It's hard for me to understand why the human heart is so hard," is the priest's take on toughening attitudes in Europe to migration.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

"Our work shows that both mitochondrial aging and broader systemic aging are, at least in part, modifiable. If we understand the underlying processes, we may be able to take targeted countermeasures," summarizes Dr. Ermolaeva.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026

But Spielberg somehow makes you understand why Dreyfuss’ Roy Neary is willing to walk away from his entire life and family over something he can’t explain.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Katrien and Annaliese could not understand any more than I could Peter’s deliberately doing something that would attract the attention of the authorities.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom




Vocabulary lists containing understand


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