[un.der.stand.ing] n (bef. 12c) 1: a mental grasp: comprehension
2. a: the power of comprehending; esp: the capacity to apprehend general relations of particulars b: the power to make experience intelligible by applying concepts and categories 3 a: friendly or harmonious relationship b: an agreement of opinion or feeling: adjustment of differences c: a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side
4: explanation, interpretation
5: sympathy 3a
[2]understanding adj (13c) 1 archaic: knowing, intelligent
2: endowed with understanding: tolerant, sympathetic -- un.der.stand.ing.ly adv