understand — to know the meaning of something or to comprehend
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to know the meaning of something or to comprehend
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌndərˈstænd/
Example Sentences
- I finally understand why my cat stares at me while I eat - it's not love, it's calculating when I'll drop food.
- Do you understand the homework assignment?
- I understand you're busy, but this is urgent.
understand
VERB[/ˌʌndərˈstænd/]
to know the meaning of something or to comprehend
After studying the puzzle carefully, she finally understands how the pieces fit together.
To understand the plan, you must first understand — each small clue slowly reveals the hidden land.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'understandan', a compound of 'under' (beneath, close by) and 'stand' (to stand). Originally meaning 'to stand close by and listen' or 'to stand under', the term evolved metaphorically to denote comprehension and intellectual grasp.
Breakdown
under- (beneath, close by) + stand (to stand, to be in position). The compound originally described physical proximity enabling auditory perception, which later generalized to mean grasping meaning or knowledge.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I finally understand why my cat stares at me while I eat - it's not love, it's calculating when I'll drop food.”
“Do you understand the homework assignment?”
“I understand you're busy, but this is urgent.”
“My mom said she understands teenagers, but she still asks why I sleep until noon on weekends.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.