Language Research

understand · verb I or T

/ˌʌn.dəˈstænd/Full view

Word family

Nouns: understanding, misunderstanding

Adjectives: understandable, understanding, misunderstood

Verbs: understand, misunderstand

Adverbs: understandably

understand (KNOW MEANING)

A1 to know the meaning of something that someone says

Dictionary examples:

She explained the whole idea again, but I still didn't understand.

I don't understand half of what he says.

Is there anyone here who understands Arabic?

Learner example:

My teacher help[s] me when I don't understand. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Lithuanian)

understand (KNOW WHY/HOW)

A2 to know why or how something happens or works, or how to do something

Dictionary examples:

We still don't fully understand how the brain works.

I don't understand why my computer crashes so often.

Learner example:

The teacher expla[i]ned her plan for teaching and we understood how to plan our time. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Pashto)

understand (KNOW FEELINGS)

B1 to know how someone feels or why they behave in a particular way

Dictionary examples:

I don't understand James sometimes.

I understand why she's so angry.

Learner example:

Maybe now you can understand why I hate shopping. kisses, (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

I/we understand (that)...

C1 used to say that you believe something is true because someone has told you it is

Dictionary example:

I understand that the school is due to close next year.

Learner example:

I understand that the job entails enterta[in]ing people. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

make yourself understood

C1 to say something to someone in a way that they understand

Dictionary example:

I had a little difficulty making myself understood.

Learner example:

(Find enclosed a paper slip on which I have written a destination, number of tickets, etc., in the German language - use it just in case you can't make yourselves understood.) (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)