Cambridge Learner's Dictionary
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Definition
understand Show phoneticsverb [I,T] past understood
1 KNOW MEANING to know the meaning of something that someone says
I don't understand half of what he says.
She didn't understand so I explained it again.
I understand written French but I don't speak it very well.
2 KNOW WHY/HOW to know why or how something happens or works
[+ question word] We still don't fully understand how the brain works.
3 KNOW FEELINGS to know how someone feels or why they behave in a particular way
I don't understand James sometimes.
[+ question word] I understand why she's so angry.
4
I understand that the school is due to close next year.
5
I had a little difficulty making myself understood.
