Understand

v.thoughtful, kindeveryday

Meaning 1

To grasp the meaning, workings, or significance of something.

Reach for it when Describing accurate comprehension of an idea, instruction, pattern, or event.

A scale model helped residents understand how the new floodgate would operate.

everyday
follow
a sequence or explanation makes sense
not when does not mean the subject is deeply mastered
everyday
grasp
the key idea has become clear
not when can imply only a quick or partial understanding
professional
interpret
meaning must be drawn from words or signs
not when allows a reading that may be mistaken
formal
comprehend
complete intellectual grasp deserves emphasis
not when too detached for another person's feelings

To recognize another person's feelings or circumstances with sympathy.

Reach for it when Showing empathetic insight rather than merely factual knowledge.

After caring for his father, Arun could understand the strain behind her request.

playful
see where someone is coming from
informal empathy should feel conversational
not when too casual for clinical or legal settings
everyday
relate
shared experience creates personal recognition
not when may exclude sympathetic insight without similarity
warm
appreciate
significance or difficulty is recognized
not when can sound like approval or gratitude
professional
empathize
another person's emotional perspective is central
not when stronger than simply recognizing circumstances

understand the reason
People understand the reason for the closure after seeing the cracked pier.
fully understand
No visitor could fully understand the loss from numbers alone.
understand someone's concern
Good listeners understand someone's concern without minimizing the underlying risk.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.