understand

verb (REALIZE)

/ˌʌn.dəˈstænd/

/-dɚ-/ (understood, understood)

Definition

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).Understanding and comprehending › [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?Question words and expressions 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.Understanding and comprehending

(Definition of understand verb (REALIZE) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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