un·der·stand·ing
ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ 
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
1
: endowed with understanding : tolerant, sympathetic
an understanding supervisor
2
archaic
: knowing, intelligent
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
Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
By better understanding how the AAC organizes vocal output in budgerigars, researchers hope to gain new insights into human speech disorders, such as aphasia and Parkinson’s disease, which can impair a person’s ability to produce language.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Jordan Greene, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
Couldn’t have been more understanding, patient, and polite.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
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Noun
Once again, Mexico seemed to have an understanding of how to manage a testy Concacaf game.
—Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
By better understanding how the AAC organizes vocal output in budgerigars, researchers hope to gain new insights into human speech disorders, such as aphasia and Parkinson’s disease, which can impair a person’s ability to produce language.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
But her mom says her school has been very understanding.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
Couldn’t have been more understanding, patient, and polite.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understanding. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
understanding
1 of 2 noun
un·der·stand·ing
ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ
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
: sympathy
understanding
2 of 2 adjective
: having or showing understanding : tolerant, sympathetic
you seem very understanding
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