understand

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Contents

[edit] English

Most common English words: fear « evening « ground « #429: understand » fine » law » show

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Etymology

Middle English understanden from Old English understandan (to understand) from under- "between" + standan (to stand), akin to O.Fris. understonda, M.Dan. understande, Dutch onderstaan

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to understand

Third person singular
understands

Simple past
understood

Past participle
understood

Present participle
understanding

to understand (third-person singular simple present understands, present participle understanding, simple past and past participle understood)

  1. (transitive) To be aware of the meaning of.
    I understand German.
    I received your note, but I did not understand it.
  2. To believe, based on information.
    I understand that you have information for me.
  3. To impute meaning, character etc. that is not explicitly stated.
    But we cannot disappoint Grandma and Grandpa Smith, and that is what family is all about! Do you understand?!
    In this sense, the word is usually used in the past participle:
    In the imperative mood, the word “you” is usually understood.
  4. To apply values (axioms).

[edit] Usage notes

  • Objects: text, word, sentence, note, etc.

[edit] Synonyms

[edit] Antonyms

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

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[edit] See also

[edit] External links