1. The cognitive condition of someone who understands
   "he has virtually no understanding of social cause and effect";
   - apprehension, discernment, savvy
    
2. The capacity for rational thought, inference or discrimination
   "we are told that man is endowed with understanding and capable of distinguishing good from evil";
   - reason, intellect
    
3. An inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
   "I knew I could count on his understanding";
   - sympathy
    
4. The statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises
   "there was an understanding between management and the workers";
   - agreement
    
5. A specific interpretation or way of viewing something
   "We have different understandings of what happened"

1. Characterized by understanding based on comprehension and discernment and empathy
   "an understanding friend"

1. Know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
   "She did not understand her husband"; "I understand what she means"
    
2. Perceive (an idea or situation) mentally
   "I don't understand the idea";
   - realize, realise [Brit], see
    
3. Make sense of a language
   "She understands French";
   - read, interpret, translate
    
4. Believe to be the case
   "I understand you have no previous experience?";
   - infer
    
5. Be understanding of
   "You don't need to explain — I understand!";
   - sympathize, sympathise [Brit], empathize, empathise [Brit]

Derived forms: understandings

See also: perceptive

Type of: believe, cerebrate, cogitate, cognise [Brit], cognize, disposition, experience, faculty, feel, inclination, know, knowing, mental faculty, module, statement, tendency, think

Encyclopedia: Understanding