understandably — in a way that is natural, reasonable, or forgivable; as might be expected
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in a way that is natural, reasonable, or forgivable; as might be expected
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌndərˈstændəbli/
Example Sentences
- My boss was understandably angry when I accidentally sent the company's secret recipe to our competitor.
- She was understandably nervous before her first job interview.
- The students were understandably confused when their math teacher started teaching cooking instead.
understandably
ADVERB[/ˌʌndərˈstændəbli/]
in a way that is natural, reasonable, or forgivable; as might be expected
a young woman sits hunched forward with her head in her hands, looking exhausted and stressed. A kind nurse approaches her with a gentle expression and offers her a cup of coffee. The woman had been waiting all night for news about her injured father after his car accident. Her worried posture and tired face show the natural strain anyone would feel in this situation. Other family members nearby also show signs of worry and fatigue from the long wait. A doctor in the background speaks quietly with another family, maintaining the serious atmosphere. a reaction that is natural, reasonable, and completely expected given the circumstances
The problem was remarkably hard, they struggled considerably, and understandably so!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from the Old English compound 'understanden' (to stand under, comprehend), where 'under' means beneath and 'stand' means to be positioned. The suffix '-ably' transforms the adjective 'understandable' into an adverb form, meaning 'in a manner that can be understood' or 'reasonably.'
Breakdown
under- (beneath, below) + stand (to be positioned, comprehend) + -able (capable of being) + -ly (adverb-forming suffix). The morphemes combine to create an adverb meaning 'in an understandable or reasonable manner.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss was understandably angry when I accidentally sent the company's secret recipe to our competitor.”
“She was understandably nervous before her first job interview.”
“The students were understandably confused when their math teacher started teaching cooking instead.”
“He was understandably disappointed about missing the promotion.”
📚Related Words
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