# understandable

/ˌəndɝˈstændəbəɫ/ (US) · /ˌʌndəstˈændəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/understandable
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. clear and easy to follow

adjective · CEFR B1

easy to understand or follow because it is clear.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. reasonable or excusable

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- His explanation was very clear and understandable.
- It is perfectly understandable that you feel nervous before such a big presentation.
- The instructions were written in plain language to ensure they were understandable to a non-technical audience without requiring further clarification.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.