ENGLISH
REFERENCE

understanding

n. · adj.
US //ˌəndɝˈstændɪŋ// UK //ˌʌndəstˈændɪŋ// un·der·stand·ing
  1. 1 comprehension (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the ability to know or explain what something means.

    the mental process of grasping the meaning, nature, or significance of something.

    Example

    The teacher checked our understanding of the new grammar rule with a short quiz.

    Example

    A thorough understanding of the historical context is essential for anyone attempting to interpret these ancient manuscripts correctly.
  2. 2 an agreement (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    an informal agreement between people about how to act.

    a mutual agreement or informal arrangement between parties, often unspoken.

    Example

    We have a private understanding that I will do the cooking if he does the dishes.

    Example

    The two companies reached a tacit understanding to avoid competing in each other's primary domestic markets.
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  1. 3 sympathy (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being kind and patient with other people's problems.

    the capacity for sympathetic awareness or tolerance toward others.

    Example

    She showed great understanding when I told her why I was late for work.

    Example

    The manager handled the delicate situation with a level of understanding that earned the respect of the entire department.
  2. 4 sympathetic (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    showing that you are kind and can understand how someone feels.

    demonstrating compassion, tolerance, or empathetic awareness.

    Example

    My boss was very understanding when I had to take time off for a family emergency.

    Example

    An understanding listener can often help a person process grief more effectively than someone who offers constant advice.
Etymology 1

From Middle English understandinge, understondinge, from Old English understanding (“intelligence, understanding”), from Proto-West Germanic undarstandingu, from Proto-Germanic understandingō, equivalent to understand + -ing (gerund ending). Cognate with Middle Dutch onderstaninge, Middle Low German understandinge, Middle High German understandunge.

Etymology 2

From Middle English understandyng, understondynge, understondinde, undirstondend, understandande, from Old English understandende, from Proto-West Germanic undarstandandī, from Proto-Germanic understandandz, present participle of Proto-Germanic *understandaną (“to stand between, intercede, understand”), equivalent to understand + -ing (present participle ending).

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