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understanding

un·der·stand·ing

understanding

 
pronunciation:
uhn dr staen dIng
parts of speech:
noun, adjective
features:
Word Combinations (noun, adjective), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the intellectual process of getting the meaning of something; comprehension.
The teacher's notes were helpful to the students' understanding of the difficult prose.
synonyms:
comprehension
similar words:
cognition, cognizance, insight, realization, thought
definition 2: grasp of the meaning or significance of something.
We now have a clear understanding of the problem.He doesn't seem to have an understanding of the rules of the game.
similar words:
appreciation, apprehension
definition 3: individual interpretation; opinion.
My understanding of what she said was that we were all to meet here at six o'clock.His understanding of the situation was different from hers.
synonyms:
explanation, interpretation, opinion
similar words:
belief, conception, conceptualization, inference, judgment, perception
definition 4: an agreement, esp. of an implicit or private nature.
I believe we have an understanding in this matter, don't we?There was always an understanding between them that they would marry eventually.The two sides cautiously reached an understanding.
synonyms:
agreement
similar words:
accord, arrangement, bargain, compact, concord, covenant, pact, settlement
definition 5: the ability or means by which one understands; thinking; intelligence.
He lacks the understanding to make good decisions.
synonyms:
intellect, intelligence, reason
similar words:
acumen, aptitude, brainpower, brains, comprehension, gray, insight, intuition, matter, mind, perception, perspicacity, sagacity, savvy, sense, wisdom, wit
definition 6: clear knowledge of the workings of something.
She has a good understanding of higher mathematics.
synonyms:
grasp, knowledge
antonyms:
ignorance
similar words:
acquaintance, adeptness, capability, command, competence, familiarity, grip, proficiency, savvy, skill
definition 7: sympathy or tolerance toward other people.
Our religion teaches understanding.
synonyms:
open-mindedness, tolerance
antonyms:
intolerance
similar words:
compassion, empathy, sensitivity, sympathy
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: sympathetic or tolerant toward the views or behaviors of others; compassionate.
You're lucky to have an understanding boss who won't be angry when you make mistakes.She's always been a kind and understanding friend who never judges me.
synonyms:
compassionate, sympathetic, tolerant
antonyms:
uncompassionate, unsympathetic
similar words:
accepting, broad-minded, considerate, forgiving, kind, patient, thoughtful
definition 2: marked by or having intelligence or insight.
synonyms:
insightful, intelligent, knowing
similar words:
astute, brainy, bright, clever, incisive, perceptive, sharp, smart
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: understandingly (adv.)
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  emotion, knowledge, relationship