understanding

1 of 2

noun

un·​der·​stand·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ 

1

: a mental grasp : comprehension

2

a

: the power of comprehending

especially : the capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars

b

: the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories

3

a

: a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side

b

: friendly or harmonious relationship

c

: an agreement of opinion or feeling : adjustment of differences

4

: explanation, interpretation

5

: sympathy sense 3a

understanding

2 of 2

adjective

1

: endowed with understanding : tolerant, sympathetic

an understanding supervisor

2

archaic : knowing, intelligent

understandingly

ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

Noun

• accord
• agreement
• bargain
• compact
• contract
• convention
• covenant
• deal
• disposition
• pact
• settlement

Adjective

• commiserative
• compassionate
• empathetic
• empathic
• humane
• sympathetic

Examples of understanding in a Sentence

Noun

He has a thorough understanding of the subject.

She has a basic understanding of the process.

I hope to get a clearer understanding of the issues involved.

He seems to have little understanding of our situation.

We have an understanding that whoever cooks doesn't have to do the dishes.

She treats them with kindness and understanding.

a relationship based on mutual understanding

Adjective

a kind and understanding teacher who often helps troubled students

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, the motivating factor often missing is the collective understanding that our failure to invest in STEM threatens our national security. —Reynold Verret, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024

Hardy leaned on the skills that had fueled her career—tenacity, an eye for detail and an understanding of her audience. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Embracing Flexibility And Empathy Adopt a flexible and understanding approach, acknowledging that productivity may fluctuate during election week. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Although the internet isn’t always the most understanding place, the majority of commenters took her side. —Maria Pasquini, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing understanding

• achieve/reach an understanding
• beyond comprehension/understanding
• come to an understanding
• it is someone's understanding
• on the understanding that
• self-understanding

Kids Definition

understanding

1 of 2 noun

un·​der·​stand·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ 

1

: knowledge and ability to judge : intelligence

a person of understanding

2

a

: agreement of opinion or feeling

b

: something agreed to by both sides and entered into silently or without ceremony

an understanding between two nations over trade

3

: one's belief about something based upon what is known

4

: sympathy

understanding

2 of 2 adjective

: having or showing understanding : tolerant, sympathetic

you seem very understanding

understandingly

-diŋ-lē 

adverb