understanding

1 of 2

noun

un·​der·​stand·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce understanding (audio)
1
: a mental grasp : comprehension
2
a
: the power of comprehending
especially : the capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars
b
: the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories
3
a
: a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side
b
: friendly or harmonious relationship
c
: an agreement of opinion or feeling : adjustment of differences
4
5

understanding

2 of 2

adjective

1
: endowed with understanding : tolerant, sympathetic
an understanding supervisor
2
archaic : knowing, intelligent
understandingly adverb

Examples of understanding in a Sentence

Noun He has a thorough understanding of the subject. She has a basic understanding of the process. I hope to get a clearer understanding of the issues involved. He seems to have little understanding of our situation. We have an understanding that whoever cooks doesn't have to do the dishes. She treats them with kindness and understanding. a relationship based on mutual understanding Adjective a kind and understanding teacher who often helps troubled students
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Benioff, Weiss, and Woo all have a very clear understanding of storytelling. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2024 The guidelines on blast exposure are being updated, the statement said, adding that the Army will soon begin a service-wide safety campaign to increase understanding of potential risks. Dave Philipps, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 There are also women who use their knowledge of the world to create greater cultural understanding. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 Ray is not the only scholar seeking a deeper understanding of women’s contributions to the Renaissance. Norman Weinstein, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 Their rich and varied backgrounds contribute to a comprehensive understanding of both the artistic and thematic nuances relevant to the call, offering invaluable insights from a global perspective. Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 As an archivist and record collector, Mittal has a deep understanding and passion for South Asian music of the past. Vrinda Jagota, SPIN, 7 Mar. 2024 Ihimaera’s insights offer a deeper understanding of cultural representation in media, applauding the film for amplifying indigenous voices and themes worldwide, while faithfully capturing the essence of his original tale. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024 But by season’s end, Chisholm had a better understanding of the position, and the metrics back that up. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024
Adjective
The director likens Giamatti to the titans of the silver screen — Edward G. Robinson, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep — actors with whom directors form a profound and understanding bond. Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Feb. 2024 And after explaining my situation to a very understanding representative on the phone, Delta waived the cancellation fee and credited back the full amount to use to book a future flight. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 2 Feb. 2024 On the surface, Kentucky might not seem like the most understanding state but, as Brittany said, Lexington isn’t backwoods Kentucky. Drew Davison -, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2024 Take that time to adjust your plan, and continue to move forward with a positive and understanding mindset. Alyssa Hui, Health, 30 Dec. 2023 Permanent supportive housing is a program that means just that: Housing, for people who have been living on the streets, in shelters or on the couches of increasingly less understanding family or friends. John Kelly, Washington Post, 19 Dec. 2023 At some point, even the most understanding fellow patron will wonder if forgoing the third drink purchase might have also obviated the necessity for the third bathroom stop. Miss Manners | Judith Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 31 Aug. 2023 Advertisement But not everyone would be so understanding. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2023 This deeply personal decision requires a compassionate and understanding guide, and Vibbert is committed to aiding these mothers through this profound life chapter. Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'understanding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of understanding was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near understanding

Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understanding. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

understanding

1 of 2 noun
un·​der·​stand·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce understanding (audio)
1
: knowledge and ability to judge : intelligence
a person of understanding
2
a
: agreement of opinion or feeling
b
: something agreed to by both sides and entered into silently or without ceremony
an understanding between two nations over trade
3
: one's belief about something based upon what is known
4

understanding

2 of 2 adjective
: having or showing understanding : tolerant, sympathetic
you seem very understanding
understandingly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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