noun / adjective
understanding
un-der-STAN-ding/ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/
Comprehension of meaning or circumstances.
She shows her understanding of the diagram by placing the final block.
Etymology
The -ing noun names comprehension from the verb meaning to comprehend. From comprehension itself, understanding extended to the mental faculty or knowing power that makes comprehension possible.
In context
a philosophy which is sometimes called an understanding of the law is simply a way that a person holds the laws in his mind so as to guess quickly at consequences
More examples
- The teacher checks our understanding of fractions with a short quiz.
- A basic understanding of electricity helps you work safely.
- My manager is understanding when I need time off.
Forms
understanding · understandings · more understanding · most understanding
understand verb — Grasp the meaning or significance of something.
understandable adjective — Possible to comprehend or reasonably explain.
Similar words
- comprehension
- Emphasizes grasping information rather than sympathy for another person.
- knowledge
- Emphasizes possessing information, not necessarily grasping its meaning.
- sympathetic
- Emphasizes concern for someone's difficulties rather than intellectual comprehension.