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   Un·der·stand

   /ˌəndərˈstand/

   

   verb

   • 1. perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker): "he didn't understand a word I said"
   • ▪ perceive the significance, explanation, or cause of (something): "she didn't really understand the situation" Similar comprehendapprehendgraspseetake inperceivediscernmake outpuzzle outrecognizekeep up withmasterget to knowfollowfathomget to the bottom ofpenetratedivineinterpretunraveldeciphersee the light aboutenvisageinformal:get the hang ofget the drift ofcatch ontolatch ontotumble tocrackmake head or tail offigure outdiggetget one's head aroundwrap one's mind aroundsee daylightget the pictureget the messagetwigsuss outsusssavvyrare:cognizeOpposite misunderstandmisinterpret
   • 2. interpret or view (something) in a particular way: "as the term is usually understood, legislation refers to regulations and directives"
   • ▪ infer something from information received (often used as a polite formula in conversation): "I understand you're at art school"
   • ▪ regard (a missing word, phrase, or idea) as present; supply mentally: "“present company excepted” is always understood when sweeping generalizations are being made"
   • ▪ assume to be the case; take for granted: "he liked to play the field—that was understood" Similar believebe led to believebe given to understandthinkconcludecome to the conclusiondeduceinferdraw the inferenceassumesurmisefancygathertake ithearhear tellbe informednoticeseelearndiscover
   • 3. be sympathetically or knowledgeably aware of the character or nature of: "Picasso understood color" Similar appreciaterecognizerealizeacknowledgeknowbe aware ofbe conscious ofbe cognizant ofacceptcommiserate withfeel compassionate towardsympathize withempathize withinformal:take on boardbe wise toOpposite ignore

   Word Origin Old Englishunderstandan (see under-, stand).

   Derivatives

   • 1. understander noun

   Scrabble Points: 12

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