understand

 
Pronunciation: /ʌndəˈstand/

verb (past and past participle understood /-ˈstʊd/)

[with object]
  • 1perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker): he didn’t understand a word I said he could usually make himself understood [with clause]: she understood what he was saying
  • perceive the significance, explanation, or cause of: she didn’t really understand the situation [with clause]: he couldn’t understand why we burst out laughing
  • 2interpret or view (something) in a particular way: as the term is usually understood, legislation refers to regulations and directives
  • [with clause] infer something from information received (often used as a polite formula in conversation): I understand you’re at art school [with object]: as I understood it, she was flying back to the States tomorrow
  • regard (a missing word, phrase, or idea) as present: ‘present company excepted’ is always understood when sweeping generalizations are being made
  • [with clause] assume to be the case; take for granted: he liked to play the field, that was understood
  • 3be sympathetically or knowledgeably aware of the character or nature of: Picasso understood colour [with clause]: I understand how you feel

Derivatives

understander

noun

Origin:

Old English understandan (see under-, stand)