# understandably

/ˌəndɝˈstændəbɫi/ (US) · /ˌʌndəstˈændəbli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/understandably
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

used to say that a reaction or feeling is easy to understand or makes sense in a specific situation.

For teachers: in a manner that is easy to comprehend or justify given the circumstances. Often functions as a disjunct to express the speaker's empathy or logical agreement with a situation.

## Examples

- She was understandably upset when she lost her keys.
- The passengers were understandably frustrated after their flight was delayed for the third time in one day.
- Having invested his life savings into the venture, he was understandably cautious about signing the new contract without a thorough legal review of the fine print.

## Pitfalls

- Not "It is understandably that he is late." but "It is understandable that he is late." — Learners often use the adverb form after 'it is' instead of the adjective 'understandable'.

## Usage notes

- Sentence adverb — often placed at the beginning of a sentence or before the main adjective to comment on the entire situation.

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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.