English Reference
adjective

understandable

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

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    easy to understand or follow because it is clear.

    capable of being comprehended; intelligible and clear in presentation or logic.

    Simple

    The instructions were written in simple language, making them understandable for everyone.

    In context

    The lecturer broke down the complex physics theories into understandable segments for the first-year students.

    Usage

    Often used with 'to' to indicate the audience, as in 'understandable to beginners'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    natural or normal to feel or do in a certain situation.

    capable of being accepted or excused based on the prevailing circumstances or human nature.

    Simple

    His anger was understandable after his bike was stolen.

    In context

    Given the severity of the storm, the pilot's decision to divert the flight was entirely understandable.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, the word often describes a reaction or emotion rather than a piece of information.

    unreasonableunjustifiable
Don't confuse

understandable vs comprehensive — Comprehensive means including everything; understandable means easy to follow or grasp.


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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English understondable
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated