1 un·der·stand·ing
Pronounced:
/ˌʌndɚˈstændɪŋ/
Function:
nounMeaning:
1 : the knowledge and ability to judge a particular situation or subject —usually + of [singular] ▪ He has a thorough/full understanding of the subject. ▪ She has a basic/better/deep understanding of the process. ▪ I hope to get/gain a clearer understanding of the issues involved. [noncount] ▪ He seems to have little understanding of our situation.
2 [singular] : an informal agreement ▪ We have an understanding that whoever cooks doesn't have to do the dishes. ▪ After a long discussion they finally achieved/reached an understanding. = After a long discussion they finally came to an understanding. [=they finally agreed]
3 [noncount] : a willingness to understand people's behavior and forgive them ▪ She treats them with kindness and understanding. ▪ a relationship based on mutual understanding
4 [singular] : your belief about something based on what you have heard, read, etc. ▪ My understanding was that you were going to help. = It was my understanding that you were going to help. [=I thought that you were going to help]
2 [singular] : an informal agreement ▪ We have an understanding that whoever cooks doesn't have to do the dishes. ▪ After a long discussion they finally achieved/reached an understanding. = After a long discussion they finally came to an understanding. [=they finally agreed]
3 [noncount] : a willingness to understand people's behavior and forgive them ▪ She treats them with kindness and understanding. ▪ a relationship based on mutual understanding
4 [singular] : your belief about something based on what you have heard, read, etc. ▪ My understanding was that you were going to help. = It was my understanding that you were going to help. [=I thought that you were going to help]
on the understanding that
—used to say that something is done, accepted, etc., because you have been told that something else will happen or is true ▪ She agreed to do the work on the understanding that she would be paid now.