/ˌʌndəˈstænd/
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Meaning
To know what something means or how it works.
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Word origin
From Old English understandan, meaning to comprehend or grasp the meaning of.
- Origin
- Old English
- Root
- understandan
Grammar
Irregular verb. A full conjugation table for irregular verbs is coming soon. For now, use a reference like Wordreference or RAE.
Examples
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To understand something is to know what it means or how it works. The past form is "understood".
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(12)At the Doctor
3 min read · Core 1000
Lost in Town
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The Late Bus
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The Phone Call
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Before the Doors Open
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The Midnight Piano
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The Night Route
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The Photograph
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The Whale on the Beach
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Two Tickets to Paris
5 min read · Core 5000
The Last Light
8 min read · Core 5000
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Plurals in English: one cat, two cats (rules and chart)
Present perfect continuous in English: have been + -ing
Present simple in English: rules, -s ending and examples
Question tags in English: rules, examples and aren't I
Stative verbs in English: I know, not I'm knowing (list)
Prefixes in English: un-, in-, im-, ir-, dis-, mis- rules
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English · Free printables
understand: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the English word "understand" (To know what something means or how it works.): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
This word is taught in chapter 2, lesson 11: understand, run, bring and 7 more words.