understand understand /ˌəndɝˈstænd/

verb

1. () Know and comprehend the nature or meaning of  ( understand )
   know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
    She did not understand her husband
   She did not understand her husband
    I understand what she means
   I understand what she means
   
2. () Perceive (an idea or situation) mentally  ( realise [British] , understand , realize , see )
   perceive (an idea or situation) mentally
    Now I see!
   Now I see!
    I just can't see your point
   I just can't see your point
    Does she realize how important this decision is?
   Does she realize how important this decision is?
    I don't understand the idea
   I don't understand the idea
   
3. () Make sense of a language  ( read , interpret , translate , understand )
   make sense of a language
    She understands French
   She understands French
    Can you read Greek?
   Can you read Greek?
   
4. () Believe to be the case  ( infer , understand )
   believe to be the case
    I understand you have no previous experience?
   I understand you have no previous experience?
   
5. () Be understanding of  ( empathise [British] , empathize , sympathise [British] , sympathize , understand )
   be understanding of
    You don't need to explain--I understand!
   You don't need to explain--I understand!