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
Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Critically, lenders give buyers a big-picture understanding of what their monthly payment will look like under various loan configurations, taking into account sales price tiers, interest rates, property taxes and insurance.
—Tc Brown, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
But despite the nightmare scenario, the couple said their fellow passengers were incredibly understanding.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
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Noun
Despite the entrenched ethical norms of the legal profession, educational institutions at every level should devise strategies designed to improve the public’s understanding of government and its critical intersection with the rule of law.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Critically, lenders give buyers a big-picture understanding of what their monthly payment will look like under various loan configurations, taking into account sales price tiers, interest rates, property taxes and insurance.
—Tc Brown, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Validation means recognizing and accepting an employee’s feelings, fostering a supportive and understanding environment that boosts morale and productivity.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
But despite the nightmare scenario, the couple said their fellow passengers were incredibly understanding.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 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 14 Apr. 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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