understands definition | Dictionary.com

un⋅der⋅stand

[uhn-der-stand]

verb, -stood, -stand⋅ing.

–verb (used with object)

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).

–verb (used without object)

10.	to perceive what is meant; grasp the information conveyed: She told them about it in simple words, hoping they would understand.

11.	to accept tolerantly or sympathetically: If you can't do it, I'll understand.

12.	to have knowledge or background, as on a particular subject: He understands about boats.

13.	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.

Origin:
bef. 900; ME understanden, understonden, OE understondan; c. D onderstaan. See under-, stand

Synonyms:
1. See know ¹ .

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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un·der·stand (ŭn'dər-stānd')

v. un·der·stood (-stŏŏd'), un·der·stand·ing, un·der·stands

v. tr.

To perceive and comprehend the nature and significance of; grasp. See Synonyms at apprehend.
To know thoroughly by close contact or long experience with: That teacher understands children.
1. To grasp or comprehend the meaning intended or expressed by (another): They have trouble with English, but I can understand them.
2. To comprehend the language, sounds, form, or symbols of.
To know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward: I can understand your point of view even though I disagree with it.
To learn indirectly, as by hearsay: I understand his departure was unexpected.
To infer: Am I to understand you are staying the night?
To accept (something) as an agreed fact: It is understood that the fee will be 50 dollars.
To supply or add (words or a meaning, for example) mentally.

v. intr.

1. To have understanding, knowledge, or comprehension.
2. To have sympathy or tolerance.
To learn something indirectly or secondhand; gather.

[Middle English understanden, from Old English understandan : under-, under- + standan, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots.]

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