Dictionary
un•der•stand
Pronunciation: (un"dur-stand'), [key]
—v., -stood, -stand•ing.
—
v.t.
1. to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of; comprehend:
to understand Spanish; I didn't understand your question.
2. to be thoroughly familiar with; apprehend clearly the character, nature, or subtleties of:
to understand a trade.
3. to assign a meaning to; interpret:
He understood her suggestion as a complaint.
4. to grasp the significance, implications, or importance of:
He does not understand responsibility.
5. to regard as firmly communicated; take as agreed or settled:
I understand that you will repay this loan in 30 days.
6. to learn or hear:
I understand that you are going out of town.
7. to accept as true; believe:
I understand that you are trying to be truthful, but you are wrong.
8. to construe in a particular way:
You are to understand the phrase literally.
9. to supply mentally (something that is not expressed).
—
v.i.
1. to perceive what is meant; grasp the information conveyed:
She told them about it in simple words, hoping they would understand.
2. to accept tolerantly or sympathetically:
If you can't do it, I'll understand.
3. to have knowledge or background, as on a particular subject:
He understands about boats.
4. to have a systematic interpretation or rationale, as in a field or area of knowledge:
He can repeat every rule in the book, but he just doesn't understand. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
