Dictionary
1understanding
noun un·der·stand·ing \ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ\
: the knowledge and ability to judge a particular situation or subject
: an informal agreement
: a willingness to understand people's behavior and forgive them
Full Definition of UNDERSTANDING
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 : friendly or harmonious relationship b : an agreement of opinion or feeling : adjustment of differences c : a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side
5
: sympathy 3a
See understanding defined for English-language learners
See understanding defined for kids
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First Known Use of UNDERSTANDING
before 12th century
Related to UNDERSTANDING
- Synonyms
- accord, bargain, compact, contract, convention, covenant, deal, disposition, pact, settlement, agreement
- Antonyms
- incomprehension, noncomprehension
Rhymes with UNDERSTANDING
2understanding
adjective
: showing sympathy and kindness : tolerant or sympathetic
Full Definition of UNDERSTANDING
1
archaic : knowing, intelligent
2
: endowed with understanding : tolerant, sympathetic <an understanding supervisor>
— un·der·stand·ing·ly \-ˈstan-diŋ-lē\ adverb
See understanding defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of UNDERSTANDING
13th century
Related to UNDERSTANDING
- Synonyms
- commiserative, compassionate, empathetic, empathic, humane, sympathetic
- Antonyms
- callous, cold-blooded, coldhearted, hard, hard-hearted, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, insensate, obdurate, unfeeling, unsympathetic
UNDERSTANDING Defined for Kids
1understanding
noun un·der·stand·ing \ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ\
Definition of UNDERSTANDING for Kids
1
: ability to get the meaning of and judge <He lacks an understanding of what's going on.>
2
: an agreement of opinion or feeling <We've come to an understanding about how to proceed.>
3
: a willingness to show kind or favorable feelings toward others
4
: the particular way in which someone understands something <It's my understanding that they're coming.>
2understanding
adjective
Definition of UNDERSTANDING for Kids
: having or showing kind or favorable feelings toward others : sympathetic
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