Cool MateUnderstand
UK /["/ˌʌndəˈstænd/","/ˌʌndəˈstændz/","/ˌʌndəˈstʊd/","/ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌʌndərˈstænd/","/ˌʌndərˈstændz/","/ˌʌndərˈstʊd/","/ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to know or realize the meaning of words, a language, what somebody says, etc.
In simple words: To know what something means or how it works.
Examples
- I need to understand the instructions clearly.
- Can you help me understand this math problem?
- It’s hard to understand her accent sometimes.
- I hope you understand my feelings about this.
- Do you understand what I mean by that?
Usage notes
Use 'understand' when you want to express comprehension of ideas or concepts. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but may come across as slightly formal in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
understand + object
Memory hint
Think of 'under' as going beneath the surface to grasp the meaning.
Collocations
- clearly
- well
- completely
- be able to
- can
- be unable to
- about
- as
- be commonly understood
- be generally understood
- be popularly understood
- clearly
- well
- completely
- be able to
- can
- be unable to
- about
- as
- be commonly understood
- be generally understood
- be popularly understood
- clearly
- well
- completely
- be able to
- can
- be unable to
- about
- as
- be commonly understood
- be generally understood
- be popularly understood
- clearly
- well
- completely
- be able to
- can
- be unable to
- about
- as
- be commonly understood
- be generally understood
- be popularly understood
- clearly
- well
- completely
- be able to
- can
- be unable to
- about
- as
- be commonly understood
- be generally understood
- be popularly understood
Synonyms
- comprehend
- grasp
- fathom
- discern
- apprehend
Antonyms
- misunderstand
- confuse
- overlook
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'understand' with 'understands' in the third person.
- Mixing 'understand' with 'understanding' incorrectly.
- 'Understood' used incorrectly as a present tense.