Understanding — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective verb /ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ/ un·der·stand·ing

Meaning & Definition of Understanding

Understanding (noun)

  1. a mental grasp, comprehension —usually used with of
  2. the power of comprehending; especially, the capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars
  3. the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories

Understanding (adjective)

  1. endowed with understanding, tolerant, sympathetic
  2. knowing, intelligent

Understanding (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an arrangement about action to be taken

    "the tenants came to an understanding with the landlord that they would be able to renew their leases for the same rent"

  2. the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something

    "a social observer with a deep understanding of the problems that the nation's cities face in the 21st century"

Understanding (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another

    "a kind and understanding teacher who often helps troubled students"

Understanding (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information

    "as I understand it, this is the best plan that we have"

  2. to have a practical understanding of

    "I think I understand how an engine works now"

  3. to have a clear idea of

    "after a few weeks in Russia I began to understand the language a little bit"

    opposite: missing

Related Entry: Understand (verb)

Understand is a different word from Understanding. The synonyms below are for understand, not for understanding.

  1. to have a practical understanding of

    "I think I understand how an engine works now"

    similar: comprehend, grasp, know
  2. to have a clear idea of

    "after a few weeks in Russia I began to understand the language a little bit"

    opposite: miss
  3. to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information

    "as I understand it, this is the best plan that we have"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Understanding

The most common words with a similar meaning to Understanding:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Understanding

Words with the opposite meaning of Understanding:

Near Antonyms of Understanding

Word Forms of Understanding

Derived words: understandingly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Understanding

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Understanding

Words & Phrases Containing Understanding

Frequently Asked Questions about Understanding

What does "Understanding" mean?

"Understanding" means a mental grasp, comprehension —usually used with of. As an a noun, an adjective and a verb, it is defined as: a mental grasp, comprehension —usually used with of. It has 6 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Understanding"?

Other words for "Understanding" include accord, agreement, bargain, compact, contract, convention, covenant and deal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Understanding" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Understanding"?

There are 157 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Understanding". Common alternatives include accord, agreement, bargain, compact, contract, convention, covenant, deal, disposition and pact.

What is the opposite of "Understanding"?

Antonyms of "Understanding" include incomprehension, noncomprehension, callous, cold-blooded, coldhearted, hard, hard-hearted and heartless. Near antonyms include misapprehension, miscomprehension, misinterpretation and misperception.

How do you use "Understanding" in a sentence?

Examples of "Understanding" in a sentence: "the tenants came to an understanding with the landlord that they would be able to renew their leases for the same rent"; "a social observer with a deep understanding of the problems that the nation's cities face in the 21st century"; "a kind and understanding teacher who often helps troubled students".

Is "Understanding" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Understanding" can be used as a noun, an adjective and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Understanding" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Understanding" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Understanding"?

"Understanding" is pronounced /ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ/ and divided into syllables as un·der·stand·ing.