understanding and comprehending

0

realize

realize [verb] (BECOME AWARE)

to understand a situation, sometimes suddenly

US

/ˈriː.ə.laɪz/

UK

/ˈrɪə.laɪz/

درك‌ كردن‌، فهميدن‌

مثال:

They didn't realize the danger they were in.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

realize

verb (realizes, realizing, realized )
to understand or know something:
When I got home, I realized that I had lost my key.
I didn't realize you were American.

>> realization noun (no plural):
the sudden realization of what he had done

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

realize

rea‧lize S1 W1 BrE AmE (also realise British English) /ˈrɪəlaɪz/ verb [transitive not usually in progressive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑realism, ↑realist, ↑reality, ↑unreality, ↑realization; adverb: ↑real, ↑really, ↑realistically ≠ ↑unrealistically; adjective: ↑real, ↑unreal, ↑realistic ≠ ↑unrealistic; verb: ↑realize]
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: réaliser, from Old French real; ⇨ ↑real¹]
1. UNDERSTAND to know and understand something, or suddenly begin to understand it
realize (that)
I suddenly realized that the boy was crying.
Do you realize you’re an hour late?
realize who/what/how etc
I’m sorry, I didn’t realize who you were.
It took us a while to realize the extent of the tragedy.
It was only later that I realized my mistake.
► Do not say that you ‘realize about/of something’. Say that you realize something.
2. ACHIEVE formal to achieve something that you were hoping to achieve:
She never realized her ambition of winning an Olympic gold medal.
a young singer who has not yet realized her full potential (=achieved as much as she can achieve)
3. sb’s worst fears were realized used to say that the thing that you were most afraid of has actually happened:
His worst fears were realized when he heard that Chris had been arrested.
4. MONEY
a) formal to obtain or earn an amount of money:
The campaign realized $5000.
We realized a small profit on the sale of the house.
b) realize an asset technical to change something that you own into money by selling it
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ realize to begin to understand, notice, or know something that you did not understand etc before: I hadn’t realized that Ben was his brother. | She suddenly realized who the man in the photograph was.
▪ become aware to gradually realize that something is happening or is true, over a period of time: He slowly became aware that he was not alone | People are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of cars on the environment.
▪ dawn on somebody if something dawns on you, you realize it for the first time – often used in the phrase it dawned on somebody: It dawned on me that he could be lying. | It only dawned on her that she was in danger when she saw rescue workers running away from the building. | He thought about the dream for a long time before its meaning began to dawn on him.
▪ sink in if something sinks in, you begin to realize its full meaning or importance, especially gradually: It took a few minutes for the doctor’s words to sink in. | The reality of what I had done slowly began to sink in.
▪ hit if a fact hits you, you suddenly understand it and how important it is: It hit me one day that he didn’t care. He’d talk when I phoned him, but he’d never call me.
▪ strike if an idea or thought strikes you, you suddenly think of it: It suddenly struck her what a risk she was taking. | A thought has just struck me - there must be other people with the same problem.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

realize

real·ize (BrE also -ise) [realize realizes realized realizing] [ˈriːəlaɪz] [ˈrɪəlaɪz] [ˈriːəlaɪz] verb

BE/BECOME AWARE
1. transitive, intransitive (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand or become aware of a particular fact or situation
• ~ (that)… I didn't realize (that) you were so unhappy.
• The moment I saw her, I realized something was wrong.
• ~ how, what, etc… I don't think you realize how important this is to her.
• ~ (sth) I hope you realize the seriousness of this crime.
• Only later did she realize her mistake.
• The situation was more complicated than they had at first realized.
• They managed to leave without any of us realizing.

• it is realized that… There was a cheer when it was realized that everyone was safely back.

ACHIEVE STH

2. transitive ~ sth to achieve sth important that you very much want to do
• She never realized her ambition of becoming a professional singer.

• We try to help all students realize their full potential (= be as successful as they are able to be).

HAPPEN

3. transitive, usually passive ~ sth if sb's fears are realized, the things that they are afraid will happen, do happen

• His worst fears were realized when he saw that the door had been forced open.

SELL

4. transitive ~ your assets (formal) to sell things that you own, for example property, in order to get the money that you need for sth

Syn: convert

5. transitive ~ sth (formal) (of goods, etc.) to be sold for a particular amount of money
Syn: make

• The paintings realized $2 million at auction.

MAKE STH REAL

6. transitive ~ sth (formal) to produce sth that can be seen or heard, based on written information or instructions
• The stage designs have been beautifully realized.
See also: -ise
Verb forms:

Word Origin:
early 17th cent.: from real, on the pattern of French réaliser.
Thesaurus:
realize (BrE also -ise) verb T (not used in the progressive tenses)
• I didn't realize you were so unhappy.
know • • appreciate •
realize/know/appreciate that…
realize/know/appreciate what/how/why…
begin/come to realize/know/appreciate sth
Realize or know? To realize sth means to become or be aware of it. To know sth is to be aware of it: know can mean ‘become aware’ if it happens in a single moment; however, if the process of becoming aware takes any time use realize:
• The moment I walked in the room I realized/knew something was wrong.
• I soon/quickly/gradually realized my mistake.
¤ I soon/quickly/gradually knew my mistake.
Example Bank:
• I never realized how much it meant to you.
• I realized for the first time how difficult this would be.
• She dimly realized that she was trembling.
• The experience made me realize that people did care.
• They are constantly learning, without even realizing it.
• We are constantly using historic buildings, without even realizing it.
• You don't seem to realize the seriousness of the situation.
• As soon as/The moment I walked in the room I knew/realized something was wrong.
• Do you fully realize the seriousness of this crime?
• I began to realize why the people seemed wary of us.
• I didn't realize (that) you were so unhappy.
• I don't think you realize how important this is to her.
• I soon/quickly/gradually/slowly realized what he meant.
• She soon realized her mistake.
• Suddenly/All of a sudden/At once I knew/realized what he meant.
• The paintings realized $2 million at auction.
• There was a cheer when it was realized that everyone had got back safely.

• We make assumptions all the time without realizing it.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition

realize ( UK usually realise ) / ˈrɪə.laɪz / / ˈriː.ə- / verb [ I or T ] (BECOME AWARE)

B1 to understand a situation, sometimes suddenly:

They didn't realize the danger they were in.

[ + (that) ] "Do you realize (that) this is the third time you've forgotten?" she said angrily.

[ + question word ] I realize how difficult it's going to be, but we must try.

As he watched the TV drama, he suddenly realized (that) he'd seen it before.

"You're standing on my foot." "Sorry, I didn't realize."

realize ( UK usually realise ) / ˈrɪə.laɪz / / ˈriː.ə- / verb (ACHIEVE)

C1 [ T ] to achieve something you were hoping for:

Lots of money, a luxury house, a fast car - Danny had realized all his ambitions by the age of 25.

sb's worst fears are realized [ T ] used for saying that something that someone was worrying about really happened:

Ten years later her worst fears were realized.

realize ( UK usually realise ) / ˈrɪə.laɪz / / ˈriː.ə- / verb (MONEY)

specialized to be sold for a particular amount of money:

The paintings are expected to realize £500,000 each.

realize assets legal to sell property in order to get some money:

He had to realize all his assets to pay off his debts.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

realize

[ri͟ːəlaɪz]

realizes, realizing, realized
(in BRIT, also use realise)
1) VERB If you realize that something is true, you become aware of that fact or understand it.
  [V that] As soon as we realised something was wrong, we moved the children away...
  [V wh] People don't realize how serious this recession has actually been...
  [V n] Once they realised their mistake the phone was reconnected again...
  `That's my brother.' - `Oh, I hadn't realized.'
  Derived words:
  realization [ri͟ːəlaɪze͟ɪʃ(ə)n] plural N-VAR usu N that, N of n There is now a growing realisation that things cannot go on like this for much longer... He nearly cried out at the sudden realization of how much Randall looked like him.
2) VERB: usu passive If your hopes, desires, or fears are realized, the things that you hope for, desire, or fear actually happen.
  [be V-ed] Straightaway our worst fears were realised...
  [be V-ed] Those are our hopes; we are starting this clinical trial to investigate whether those hopes will be realised.
  Derived words:
  realization N-UNCOUNT oft the N of n In Kravis's venomous tone he recognized the realization of his worst fears.
3) VERB When someone realizes a design or an idea, they make or organize something based on that design or idea. [FORMAL]
  [V n] Various textile techniques will be explored to realise design possibilities...
  [V n] The kaleidoscopic quality of the book is brilliantly realised on stage.
4) VERB If someone or something realizes their potential, they do everything they are capable of doing, because they have been given the opportunity to do so.
  [V n] The support systems to enable women to realize their potential at work are seriously inadequate...
  [V n] I think probably that the laser has not realised the potential that was expected of it in that domain.
  Syn:
  achieve
5) VERB If something realizes a particular amount of money when it is sold, that amount of money is paid for it. [TECHNICAL]
  [V n] A selection of correspondence from P G Wodehouse realised ₤1,232.
  Syn:
  make, raise
  Derived words:
  realization N-VAR I have taken this course solely to assist the realisation of my assets for the benefit of all my creditors.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

realize

re·al·ize also Brit re·al·ise /ˈriːjəˌlaɪz/ verb -iz·es; -ized; -iz·ing [+ obj]
1 : to understand or become aware of (something)
• They did not realize the risk/danger that was involved.
• He finally realized the scope of the problem.
• I realize (that) this is an unusual situation.
• She realizes how much things have changed.
• Do you realize how difficult that stunt is?
• You just have to realize that you can't always get what you want.
• She slowly realized what he was trying to say.
2 : to cause (something) to become real - usually used as (be) realized
• Our worst fears have been realized. [=the things that we most feared have actually happened]
3 formal : to achieve (something, such as a goal, dream, etc.)
• He realized a lifelong dream/goal by winning an Olympic medal.
• He finally realized his ambition to start his own business.
• She hasn't yet realized her potential as a golfer. [=she hasn't become as good as she can be]
4 formal : to earn or get (money) by sale or effort
• We can realize a profit by selling the stock.
• The furniture of the estate realized $10,000 at the auction.

American English

British English

understanding and comprehending

B1 (متوسط)

verb

0

understand

understand [verb] (REALIZE)

to know or realize something because you have been told it

US

/ˌʌn.dɚˈstænd/

UK

/ˌʌn.dəˈstænd/

درک کردن، فهمیدن

مثال:

I understand (that) you are interested in borrowing some money from us.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

understand

verb (understands, understanding, understood /, has understood)

1 to know what something means or why something happens:
I didn't understand what the teacher said.
He doesn't understand Spanish.
I don't understand why you're so angry.

2 to know something because somebody has told you about it same meaning believe:
I understand that the plane from Geneva will be late.

make yourself understood to make people understand you:
My German isn't very good but I can usually make myself understood.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

understand

un‧der‧stand S1 W1 /ˌʌndəˈstænd $ -ər-/ verb (past tense and past participle understood /-ˈstʊd/) [not in progressive]
[Word Family: adjective: understandable, understanding, misunderstood; verb: understand ≠ misunderstand; noun: understanding ≠ misunderstanding; adverb: understandably]
[Language: Old English; Origin: understandan, from under + standan 'to stand']
1. MEANING [intransitive and transitive] to know the meaning of what someone is telling you, or the language that they speak ⇒ misunderstood:
She doesn’t understand English.
I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Can you explain that again?
The woman had a strong accent, and I couldn’t understand what she was saying.
make yourself understood (=make what you say clear to other people, especially when speaking a foreign language)
I’m not very good at German, but I can make myself understood. ⇒ see Thesaurus box on P. 1916
2. FACT/IDEA [intransitive and transitive] to know or realize how a fact, process, situation etc works, especially through learning or experience:
I don’t really understand the political situation in Northern Ireland.
understand how/why/where etc
You don’t need to understand how computers work to be able to use them.
How the drug works isn’t fully understood.
understand (that)
I understand that this treatment may not work.
3. PERSON/FEELINGS [intransitive and transitive] to realize how someone feels and why they behave the way they do, and to be sympathetic:
My parents just don’t understand me.
Just tell him how you feel – I’m sure he’ll understand.
understand how/what etc
I understand how you feel, but I think you’re overreacting.
(can) understand somebody doing something
I can understand her wanting to live alone and be independent.
4. BELIEVE/THINK [transitive] to believe or think that something is true because you have heard it or read it
understand (that)
‘I understand that he was 62 when he died,’ McLeish said.
it is understood (that)
It is understood that the Queen approves of her nephew’s romance.
be understood to be (doing) something
Dillons is understood to be reorganising the company’s management structure.
5. give somebody to understand (that) formal to make someone believe that something is true, going to happen etc, without telling them this directly:
I was given to understand that the property was in good condition.
6. be understood (that) formal if something is understood, everyone knows it, or has agreed to it, and there is no need to discuss it:
From childhood it was understood that your parents would choose your husband.
7. understand something to be/mean something to accept something as having a particular meaning:
In this document, ‘children’ is understood to mean people under 14.
8. do you understand? spoken used when you are telling someone what they should or should not do, especially when you are angry with them:
Never speak to me like that again! Do you understand?
• • •

THESAURUS

▪ understand to know the meaning of something, or the reasons for something: I understand what you’re saying. | Doctors are beginning to understand what causes the disease.
▪ see especially spoken to understand something, especially the truth about a situation or the reasons for something: I can see why you don’t like him. | Do you see what I mean? | Oh, I see!
▪ get informal to understand a joke, what someone says, the reasons why something is true etc: She didn’t seem to get the joke. | Do you get me? | He explained the math homework twice, but I still don’t get it. | I still don’t get why she left.
▪ comprehend formal to understand something, or understand why something is important: The dream was easy to describe, but difficult to comprehend. | They had failed to comprehend the significance of the problem.
▪ know what somebody means spoken to understand what someone is telling you, or what a situation is like, especially because you have some experience or knowledge about this: ‘It can be really hard to give up smoking.’ ‘I know exactly what you mean.’ | We now know what the scientists meant when they warned about global warming.
▪ follow to understand something such as an explanation or story as you hear it, read it etc: The plot is hard to follow. | His instructions were easy to follow.

to understand something difficult

▪ grasp to completely understand an idea or a fact, especially a complicated one: Some of his theories can be rather difficult for the ordinary reader to grasp. | I don’t think Stuart really grasped the point I was making.
▪ fathom /ˈfæðəm/ formal to understand what something means or the reasons for something, after thinking carefully about it: She looked at him, puzzled, trying to fathom the reasons for his actions.
▪ make sense of something to understand something that is not easy to understand, especially by thinking about it: People are still trying to make sense of the news.
▪ can’t make head nor tail of something spoken used when something seems impossible to understand: I can’t make head nor tail of his plays, and I’m not sure that anyone else can either.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

understand

under·stand [understand understands understood understanding] [ˌʌndəˈstænd] [ˌʌndərˈstænd] verb (under·stood, under·stood [ˌʌndəˈstʊd] ; [ˌʌndərˈstʊd] )(not used in the progressive tenses)

MEANING
1. transitive, intransitive to know or realize the meaning of words, a language, what sb says, etc
• ~ (sth) Can you understand French?
• Do you understand the instructions?
• She didn't understand the form she was signing.
• I'm not sure that I understand. Go over it again.
• I don't want you doing that again. Do you understand?

• ~ what… I don't understand what he's saying.

HOW STH WORKS/HAPPENS
2. transitive, intransitive to know or realize how or why sth happens, how it works or why it is important
• ~ (sth) Doctors still don't understand much about the disease.
• No one is answering the phone— I can't understand it.
• ~ why, what, etc… I could never understand why she was fired.
• They're too young to understand what is happening.
• ~ sb/sth doing sth I just can't understand him taking the money.
• (formal) I just can't understand his taking the money.

• ~ that… He was the first to understand that we live in a knowledge economy.

KNOW SB
3. transitive, intransitive to know sb's character, how they feel and why they behave in the way they do
• ~ sb Nobody understands me.
• He doesn't understand women at all.
• We understand each other, even if we don't always agree.
• ~ what, how, etc… They understand what I have been through.
• I understand how hard things have been for you.
• ~ (that…) I quite understand that you need some time alone.
• If you want to leave early, I'm sure he'll understand.

• ~ sb doing sth I quite understand you needing some time alone.

THINK/BELIEVE
4. transitive (formal) to think or believe that sth is true because you have been told that it is
• ~ (that)… I understand (that) you wish to see the manager.
• Am I to understand that you refuse?
• ~ sb/sth to be/have sth The Prime Minister is understood to have been extremely angry about the report.

• it is understood that… It is understood that the band are working on their next album.

BE AGREED
5. transitive it is understood that… to agree sth with sb without it needing to be said

• I thought it was understood that my expenses would be paid.

MISSING WORD
6. transitive, usually passive ~ sth to realize that a word in a phrase or sentence is not expressed and to supply it in your mind
• In the sentence ‘I can't drive’, the object ‘a car’ is understood.
more at give sb to believe/understand at give _v.
Idiom: make yourself understood
Verb forms:

Word Origin:
Old English understandan (see under-, stand).
Word Family:
understand verb (≠ misunderstand)
understandable adjective
misunderstood adjective
understanding adjective noun (≠ misunderstanding)
Synonyms:
understand
see • get • follow • grasp • comprehend
These words all mean to know or realize sth, for example why sth happens, how sth works or what sth means.
understand • to know or realize the meaning of words, a language, what sb says, etc; to know or realize how or why sth happens, how it works or why it is important: ▪ I don't understand the instructions. ◊ ▪ Doctors still don't understand much about the disease.
see • to understand what is happening, what sb is saying, how sth works or how important sth is: ▪ ‘It opens like this.’ ‘Oh, ▪ I see ▪.’ ◊ ▪ Oh yes, ▪ I see what you mean ▪.
get • (informal) to understand a joke, what sb is trying to tell you, or a situation that they are trying to describe: ▪ She didn't get the joke. ◊ ▪ I don't get you.
follow • to understand an explanation, a story or the meaning of sth: ▪ Sorry— I don't quite follow. ◊ ▪ The plot is almost impossible to follow.
grasp • to come to understand a fact, an idea or how to do sth: ▪ They failed to grasp the importance of his words.
understand or grasp?
You can use understand or grasp for the action of realizing the meaning or importance of sth for the first time: ▪ It's a difficult concept for children to understand/grasp. Only understand can be used to talk about languages, words or writing: I don't grasp French/the instructions.
comprehend • (often used in negative statements) (formal) to understand a fact, idea or reason: ▪ The concept of infinity is almost impossible for the human mind to comprehend.
to understand/see/get/follow/grasp/comprehend what/why/how…
to understand/see/grasp/comprehend that…
to understand/see/get/grasp the point/idea (of sth)
to be easy/difficult/hard to understand/see/follow/grasp/comprehend
to fully understand/see/grasp/comprehend sth
Example Bank:
• Her behaviour wounded him in a way he did not really understand.
• I can't understand what all the fuss is about.
• I could barely understand a word of his story.
• I don't claim to understand it.
• I finally understood what she meant.
• I fully understand the reason for your decision.
• If I've understood you correctly…
• It is difficult to understand why he reacted in that way.
• Only specialists can hope to understand them.
• She intuitively understood his need to be alone.
• She realized that she had never properly understood him.
• She soon learnt to understand English.
• The effects of these chemicals on the body are still poorly understood.
• The girl understands immediately and promises to be more careful.
• The reasons for this decision are not easily understood.
• These beliefs are best understood as a form of escapism.
• These categories help us to better understand our readers.
• They won't necessarily understand the pros and cons of the matter.
• We came to understand why certain things happened in certain ways.
• We understand little about this disease.
• What is generally understood by ‘democracy’?
• a complex topic which I only partially understand
• a woman struggling to understand an incomprehensible situation
• Do you understand French?
• Doctors still don't understand much about the disease.
• He couldn't understand what she was saying.
• He doesn't understand women at all.
• I don't understand the instructions.
• I don't want you doing that again. Do you understand?
• I just can't understand him taking the money.
• If you want to leave early, I'm sure he'll understand.
• It's understood that the band are already working on their next album.
• She said she didn't understand the form she was signing.
• She understood that this was her last chance.
• The disease is still not fully understood.
• The prime minister is understood to have been extremely angry about the report.

• We understand each other, even if we don't always agree.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

understand / ˌʌn.dəˈstænd / / -dɚ- / verb ( understood , understood ) (REALIZE)

C1 [ T ] formal to know or realize something because you have been told it:

[ + (that) ] I understand (that) you are interested in borrowing some money from us.

[ + that ] The Director had given her to understand (= told her) that she would be promoted.

[ + obj + to infinitive ] A secret buyer is understood to have paid £1 million for the three pictures (= there is unofficial news that this has happened) .

[ I or T ] formal used when making certain that someone knows what you mean and that they will do as you want:

I don't want you to see that boy again. Understand?/Do you understand?/Is that understood?

it is understood formal used to refer to something such as a rule that everyone knows and accepts:

In the library it is understood that loud talking is not permissible.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

understand

[ʌ̱ndə(r)stæ̱nd]

understands, understanding, understood
1) VERB: no cont If you understand someone or understand what they are saying, you know what they mean.
  [V n] I think you heard and also understand me...
  [V n] Rusty nodded as though she understood the old woman...
  [V wh] I don't understand what you are talking about...
  [make pron-refl V-ed] He was speaking poor English, trying to make himself understood.
2) VERB: no cont If you understand a language, you know what someone is saying when they are speaking that language.
  [V n] I couldn't read or understand a word of Yiddish, so I asked him to translate.
3) VERB: no cont To understand someone means to know how they feel and why they behave in the way that they do.
  [V n] It would be nice to have someone who really understood me, a friend...
  [V n] Trish had not exactly understood his feelings...
  [V wh] She understands why I get tired and grumpy.
4) VERB: no cont You say that you understand something when you know why or how it happens.
  [V wh] They are too young to understand what is going on...
  [V wh] She didn't understand why the TV was kept out of reach of the patients...
  [V n] In the effort to understand AIDS, attention is moving from the virus to the immune system.
5) VERB: no cont If you understand that something is the case, you think it is true because you have heard or read that it is. You can say that something is understood to be the case to mean that people generally think it is true.
  [V that] We understand that she's in the studio recording her second album...
  [V that] I understand you've heard about David...
  [V it] As I understand it, you came round the corner by the cricket field and there was the man in the road...
  [be V-ed to-inf] The management is understood to be very unwilling to agree to this request...
  [it be V-ed that/to-inf] It is understood that the veteran reporter had a heart attack.
6) PHRASE: give inflects, usu PHR that If someone is given to understand that something is the case, it is communicated to them that it is the case, usually without them being told directly.
  I am given to understand that he was swearing throughout the game at our fans.
7) CONVENTION You can use understand in expressions like do you understand? or is that understood? after you have told someone what you want, to make sure that they have understood you and will obey you.
  You do not hit my grandchildren, do you understand?...
  I don't need it, understand?...
  I don't want to hear another word about it. Is that understood, Emma?

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

understand

un·der·stand /ˌʌndɚˈstænd/ verb -stands; -stood /-ˈstʊd/ ; -stand·ing
1 : to know the meaning of (something, such as the words that someone is saying or a language) : comprehend

[+ obj]
• Do you understand English?
• “Did you understand what he said?” “Not a word (of it).”
• I can't understand a word you're saying.
• I don't understand these directions.
• I didn't understand what you told me. = I didn't understand you.
• If I understand you correctly [=if I understand what you are saying correctly], this needs to be changed.

[no obj]
• I want you to stay away from her. Do you understand?
• The work has to be finished today. Understand? [=do you understand what I am telling you?]
2 [+ obj] : to know how (something) works or happens
• They understand local politics.
• I don't understand how this is supposed to work.
• He doesn't really understand the situation.
• You should read the book in order to understand more about the subject.
• I can't understand why she would do such a thing.
• She's beginning to understand what's going on.
• You have to understand that I had no other choice.
• We still don't fully understand the causes of the disease. = The causes of the disease are still not fully understood.
3 a [+ obj] : to know how (someone) thinks, feels, or behaves
• I understand [=know] him well enough to know that he won't want to go.
• She understands children.
• At first we didn't get along, but I think we understand each other now.
b : to feel sympathy for someone's feelings or situation

[+ obj]
• She had a similar experience, so she understands what I'm going through.
• I can understand your/you feeling annoyed. [=I think you have good reason for feeling annoyed]

[no obj]
• They will understand if you need some time off.
• My cousin doesn't understand about these things.
4 [+ obj]
a : to think or believe (something)
• She was given to understand [=she was led to believe] that the job was hers.
- used to say what you believe to be true based on what you have heard, read, etc.
• I understand that they will arrive today.
• As I understand it, this has been a problem for several years.
• I understand that some doctors disagree.
• He understood that he would be paid for the work.
b
- used to say that something is agreed to or accepted and does not need to be discussed; usually used as (be) understood
• It's understood that more time will be needed. [=we all know/accept that more time will be needed]
• He believed it was understood [=believed that everyone had agreed] that he would be paid for the work.
5 [+ obj] : to think that (something) has a particular meaning : interpret
• I understood the letter to be a refusal.
6 [+ obj]
- used to say that a word or phrase is thought of as having been said even though it is not actually said; usually used as (be) understood
• When people say “they're engaged,” the phrase “to be married” is understood. [=“they're engaged” is understood to mean “they're engaged to be married”]
make yourself understood
- see ¹make