ENGLISH
REFERENCE

understands

v.
A1 Beginner US //ˌəndɝˈstændz// UK //ˌʌndəstˈændz// un·der·stands

v. to know the meaning of something or how it works. When you understand, you can follow an idea or a language clearly.

v. to perceive the intended meaning of words, a language, or a person; to grasp the significance, implications, or importance of something. Transitive in most contexts, though it can function intransitively when the object is implied.


SIMPLE

She understands the instructions perfectly.

CONTEXTUAL

After living in the city for a year, he finally understands the local subway system.

COMPLEX

The professor was pleased to find that the students could understand the underlying philosophical arguments without needing a simplified summary.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is usually stative and is rarely used in the continuous (-ing) form.

Pitfall

I am understanding youI understand youAs a stative verb describing a mental state, it is typically used in the simple present rather than the present continuous.

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