understand. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

The American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

understand

SYLLABICATION:	un·der·stand
PRONUNCIATION:	ndr-stnd
VERB:	Inflected forms: un·der·stood (-std), un·der·stand·ing, un·der·stands
TRANSITIVE VERB:	1. To perceive and comprehend the nature and significance of; grasp. See synonyms at apprehend. 2. To know thoroughly by close contact or long experience with: That teacher understands children. 3a. To grasp or comprehend the meaning intended or expressed by (another): They have trouble with English, but I can understand them. b. To comprehend the language, sounds, form, or symbols of. 4. To know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward: I can understand your point of view even though I disagree with it. 5. To learn indirectly, as by hearsay: I understand his departure was unexpected. 6. To infer: Am I to understand you are staying the night? 7. To accept (something) as an agreed fact: It is understood that the fee will be 50 dollars. 8. To supply or add (words or a meaning, for example) mentally.
INTRANSITIVE VERB:	1a. To have understanding, knowledge, or comprehension. b. To have sympathy or tolerance. 2. To learn something indirectly or secondhand; gather.
ETYMOLOGY:	Middle English understanden, from Old English understandan : under-, under- + standan, to stand; see st- in Appendix I.


The American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.