I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from understandan to understand + -ing
1. : the act of grasping mentally : comprehension , discernment , interpretation
a clear understanding of the reasons for his failure
2.
a. : the ability to understand : the power of comprehending, analyzing, distinguishing, and judging
an argument aimed at the understanding rather than the emotions
b. : the condition of having attained to full comprehension
the book deals with matters beyond a child's understanding
3. : the faculty or ability of subsuming the particular under the general or of apprehending general relations of particulars ; also : judgment 10b
b. : the power to make experience intelligible by bringing perceived particulars under appropriate concepts
c. : the capacity to formulate and apply to experience concepts and categories, to judge, and to draw logical inferences — distinguished from reason; compare dianoia , ratio 1b, techne
4.
a. : a friendly or harmonious relationship
working for better understanding between nations
had never been much understanding between the brothers
b. : an agreement of opinion or feeling : adjustment of differences
reached an understanding with the children about television programs
c. : a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side
a monetary understanding between two countries
especially : an informal engagement to marry
d. : an understood or acknowledged condition, limitation, or provision
allowed to plow up the footpaths during the war on the understanding that they restored them afterward — S.P.B.Mais
5. : signification , meaning
according to the usual understanding of the word
Synonyms: see reason
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from present participle of understanden to understand
1. archaic : knowing , intelligent , skillful
2. : endowed with or displaying understanding
understanding heart
3. : possessed of a tolerant, kindly, humane, or sympathetic attitude
understanding parents
• un·der·stand·ing·ly adverb
• un·der·stand·ing·ness noun -es