Word
understandable
Phoneticsun·der·stand·able
US/ˌəndɝˈstændəbəɫ/
UK/ˌʌndəstˈændəbəl/
Definitions
01clear and easy to follow
B1 · Intermediate
adj. easy to understand or follow because it is clear.
adj. capable of being comprehended; intelligible and clear in presentation or logic.
“The instructions were written in simple language, making them understandable for everyone.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02reasonable or excusable
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. natural or normal to feel or do in a certain situation.
adj. capable of being accepted or excused based on the prevailing circumstances or human nature.
“His anger was understandable after his bike was stolen.”
“Given the severity of the storm, the pilot's decision to divert the flight was entirely understandable.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, the word often describes a reaction or emotion rather than a piece of information.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Confusables
understandable vs comprehensive
Comprehensive means including everything; understandable means easy to follow or grasp.
RememberComprehensive = Complete. Understandable = Clear.
Etymology
From Middle English understondable, equivalent to understand + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/understandable