understanding

un|der|stand|ing1 [ ,ʌndər`stændıŋ ] noun ***

▸ 1 knowledge

▸ 2 sympathy

▸ 3 informal agreement

▸ 4 way you understand something

▸ 5 ability to understand

1. ) singular or uncount knowledge about a particular subject, process, or situation:

understanding of: The course will help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

If you are using this software, it's helpful to have some understanding of basic design principles.

2. ) uncount sympathy that comes from knowing how other people feel and why they do things:

Suzy just needs a little sympathy and understanding.

3. ) count usually singular an agreement made in an informal way or not expressed in words:

come to/reach an understanding: He was glad he and Betty had come to an understanding.

have an understanding (with someone): We have an understanding with them that we won't compete directly.

a ) on the understanding that used for saying that you will do something only if someone else agrees to do something else:

We gave them the information on the understanding that it would not be made public.

4. ) count or uncount the particular way in which you understand the meaning of something: INTERPRETATION:

My understanding is that we have not yet made any final decisions.

5. ) uncount the ability to understand things:

A child with sufficient understanding may sometimes be asked to give a statement.

understanding

un|der|stand|ing 2 [ ,ʌndər`stændıŋ ] adjective

willing to forgive other people or be sympathetic because you understand how they feel:

She has a very understanding partner.