ENGLISH
REFERENCE

understandable

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˌəndɝˈstændəbəɫ// UK //ˌʌndəstˈændəbəl// un·der·stand·able

adj. easy to follow or clear to your mind. You also use it to describe a feeling or action that makes sense because of the situation.

adj. capable of being comprehended or followed; clear. Also describes an action or emotion that is reasonable or justifiable given the circumstances.


SIMPLE

His explanation was very clear and understandable.

CONTEXTUAL

It is perfectly understandable that you feel nervous before such a big presentation.

COMPLEX

The instructions were written in plain language to ensure they were understandable to a non-technical audience without requiring further clarification.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English understondable, equivalent to understand + -able.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

Pitfall

The book is very understandful.The book is very understandable.Learners sometimes incorrectly use the suffix '-ful' instead of '-able' for this concept.

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