understand verb (KNOW)
A1 [ I or T ] to know the meaning of something that someone says:
Is there anyone here who understands Arabic?
A2 [ I or T ] to know why or how something happens or works:
[ + question word ] We still don't fully understand how the brain works.
B1 [ I or T ] to know how someone feels or why someone behaves in a particular way:
My wife doesn't understand me.
Sometimes I don't understand James.
[ + question word ] You don't understand what it's like/how it feels to have to beg on the streets.
understand sb to mean sth
› to think, especially wrongly, that someone means a particular thing:
understand each other/one another
추가 예
- He explained it as simply as he could, but the class still didn't understand.
- The plot of the film was too involved - I couldn't understand it.
- She started gabbling away at me in Spanish and I didn't understand a word.
- If there's anything you don't understand, I'll be happy to explain.
- You should make certain that everyone understands the instructions.
유의어 사전: 동의어 및 관련 단어
understand verb (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 will do as you want:
it is understood formal
추가 예
- I don't think you quite understand the severity of our financial problems.
- I understand the rent is fixed at £750 a month.
- I understand how you feel, but you really must keep trying.
- It can help to talk to someone who is suffering the same problems and who understands what it's like.
- It is hard for the able-bodied to understand the difficulties that disabled people encounter in their daily lives.
유의어 사전: 동의어 및 관련 단어
