Understanding - English meaning

noun

The process by which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another.

Usage examples:

The country's absorption into the ottoman empire

noun

The process by which a substance or object takes in a liquid, gas, waves, or chemical and makes it a part of itself

Usage examples:

Using a special numerical procedure, they calculated the absorption spectrum (= the range of light …

noun

A situation in which an organization pays the cost of something

Usage examples:

We can justify the company's absorption of higher manufacturing costs., reports confirmed the absor…

verb

Consent to receive or undertake (something offered).

Usage examples:

He accepted a pen as a present

verb

To agree to take something

Usage examples:

Do you accept credit cards?, she was in mumbai to accept an award for her latest novel., i offered …

verb

To say yes to an offer or invitation

Usage examples:

We've offered her the job, but i don't know whether she'll accept it., i've just accepted an invita…

verb

Accept or admit the existence or truth of.

Usage examples:

The plight of the refugees was acknowledged by the authorities

verb

To accept the truth or recognize the existence of something

Usage examples:

The president acknowledged his mistake in not vetoing the tax bill., he’s acknowledged as a leader …

verb

To let someone know that you have received something that they sent to you

Usage examples:

Acknowledge receipt of sth please acknowledge receipt of this letter.

noun

Harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling.

Usage examples:

The two officers nodded in agreement

noun

The condition of having the same opinion, or a decision or arrangement between two or more people or groups to do something or to obey the same rules

Usage examples:

[ c ] a new trade agreement, [ u ] both sides were in agreement on the basic terms, but many detail…

noun

A decision or arrangement that has been made and accepted by two or more people, groups, organizations, etc.

Usage examples:

Agreement between sb and sb based on the rental agreement between the landlord and the tenant, eith…

verb

Recognize the full worth of.

Usage examples:

She feels that he does not appreciate her

verb

To recognize how good someone or something is and to value them or it

Usage examples:

There's no point buying him expensive wines - he doesn't appreciate them., greatly appreciated any …

verb

To understand a situation and realize that it is important

Usage examples:

We appreciate the need for immediate action., [ + that ] i appreciate that it's a difficult decisio…

noun

Recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.

Usage examples:

I smiled in appreciation

noun

The act of recognizing someone's worth as a person or showing that you are grateful for something that person has done

Usage examples:

"i’d just like a little appreciation," she sobbed., new funds are generated by the appreciation of …

noun

An increase in value

Usage examples:

At 17.55%, the state's house-price appreciation was nearly triple the national rate., appreciation …

noun

Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

Usage examples:

He felt sick with apprehension

noun

Anxiety about the future; fear of something unpleasant happening

Usage examples:

I felt great apprehension over my first day at work., there’s an $8000 reward for the apprehension …

noun

Worry about the future, or a fear that something unpleasant is going to happen

Usage examples:

It's normal to feel a little apprehension before starting a new job., one or two people have expres…

adjective

Friendly and easy to talk to.

Usage examples:

Managers should be approachable

adjective

Easy to talk to; friendly

Usage examples:

Malcolm is always very approachable – talk it over with him.

adjective

Friendly and easy to talk to

Usage examples:

Graham's always very approachable - why don't you talk the problem over with him?

noun

The action, process, or result of arranging or being arranged.

Usage examples:

The arrangement of the furniture in the room

noun

A plan for how the parts of a piece of music can be played by a particular instrument or instruments

Usage examples:

An arrangement for trumpet and cello, a flower arrangement, she had an arrangement to work at home …

noun

A plan or preparation for how something will happen

Usage examples:

Make an arrangement there wasn't enough time for him to make alternative arrangements., arrangement…

noun

The process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas.

Usage examples:

The assimilation of the knowledge of the greeks

noun

The process of becoming similar to others by taking in and using their customs and culture

Usage examples:

The assimilation of immigrants into american culture has been a constant feature of us history.

noun

The process of becoming a part, or making someone become a part, of a group, country, society, etc.

Usage examples:

The assimilation of ethnic germans in the us was accelerated by the two world wars.

noun

Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

Usage examples:

We need to raise public awareness of the issue

noun

Knowledge and understanding of a particular activity, subject, etc.

Usage examples:

Customer/public/consumer awareness assessment procedures reveal how effectively the brand translate…

noun

Knowledge that something exists, or understanding of a situation or subject at the present time based on information or experience

Usage examples:

Public awareness of the problem will make politicians take it seriously., environmental awareness h…

noun

An agreement between two or more people or groups as to what each will do for the other.

Usage examples:

Bargains between political parties supporting the government

verb

Negotiate the terms and conditions of a transaction.

Usage examples:

He bargained with the local council to rent the stadium

noun

An advantageous purchase

phrase

To notice that a particular thing or person exists or is present

Usage examples:

My tooth doesn't exactly hurt, but i'm conscious of it (= i can feel it) all the time., [ + -ing ve…

noun

A relationship between people or groups based on shared feelings, interests, or experiences.

Usage examples:

There was a bond of understanding between them

verb

Join or be joined securely to something else, especially by means of an adhesive substance, heat, or pressure.

Usage examples:

Press the material to bond the layers together

noun

A close and lasting relationship between people

Usage examples:

The bond between parents and children is usually very strong., the county issued $4 million in bond…

noun

Knowledge or awareness.

Usage examples:

The renaissance cognizance of greece was limited

noun

To take notice of and consider something, especially when judging

Usage examples:

The lawyer asked the jury to take cognizance of the defendant's generosity in giving to charity.

adjective

Closely and neatly packed together; dense.

Usage examples:

A compact cluster of houses

verb

Exert force on (something) so that it becomes more dense; compress.

Usage examples:

The rubbish was taken to the depot to be compacted

noun

A small flat case containing face powder, a mirror, and a powder puff.

Usage examples:

Looking once more in her compact's mirror, she got out of the limo and ran up to hug him.

noun

Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

Usage examples:

The victims should be treated with compassion

noun

A strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others and a wish to help them

Usage examples:

I was hoping she might show a little compassion.

adjective

Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.

Usage examples:

I allowed him to go home on compassionate grounds

adjective

Feeling or showing sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others, and wanting to help them

Usage examples:

The public's response to the crisis appeal was generous and compassionate., he was a wonderful list…

adjective

A reason, especially in law, to allow someone to do something out of sympathy for their suffering

Usage examples:

The question was whether the court should release him on compassionate grounds because of his health.

noun

The ability to understand something.

Usage examples:

Some won't have the least comprehension of what i'm trying to do

noun

The ability to understand completely and be familiar with a situation, facts, etc.

Usage examples:

He has no comprehension of the size of the problem., how she manages to fit so much into a working …

noun

A test to find out how well students understand written or spoken language

Usage examples:

A listening/reading comprehension

noun

The action of conceiving a child or of one being conceived.

Usage examples:

An unfertilized egg before conception

noun

An idea or a particular way you understand or think about something, or a basic understanding of a situation or principle

Usage examples:

[ u ] most children have no conception of time.

noun

An idea of what something or someone is like, or a basic understanding of a situation or a principle

Usage examples:

People from different cultures have different conceptions of the world., she has a conception of pe…

verb

Relate to; be about.

Usage examples:

The story concerns a friend of mine

noun

Anxiety; worry.

Usage examples:

Carole gazed at her with concern

verb

To trouble someone with feelings of anxiety; worry

Usage examples:

The loss didn’t bother him, but his team’s confidence concerns him., this is an issue that should c…

noun

Agreement or harmony between people or groups.

Usage examples:

A pact of peace and concord

noun

A variety of dessert grape developed at concord, massachusetts.

Usage examples:

Labruscana grapes, especially concord, are also grown commercially, and some muscadines are also pr…

proper noun

The state capital of new hampshire; population 42,255 (est. 2008).

noun

The state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings.

Usage examples:

She failed to regain consciousness and died two days later

noun

The state of being awake, aware of what is around you, and able to think

Usage examples:

He lost consciousness on the way to the hospital, and regained consciousness the next day., there’s…

noun

The state of understanding and realizing something

Usage examples:

[ + that ] her consciousness that she's different makes her feel uneasy., raise consciousness worki…

adjective

Careful not to inconvenience or harm others.

Usage examples:

She was unfailingly kind and considerate

adjective

Caring about and respectful of others

Usage examples:

He is always a kind and considerate host.

adjective

Kind and helpful

Usage examples:

It wasn't very considerate of you to drink all the milk.

noun

Careful thought, typically over a period of time.

Usage examples:

Your case needs very careful investigation and consideration

noun

The act, state, or quality of caring about or respecting

Usage examples:

He showed very little consideration for anyone but himself., [ c ] financial considerations were a …

noun

In a contract, something with financial value that is given in exchange for something else, for example, a bank loan that is made in exchange for the borrower's promise to repay it

Usage examples:

From the wording of the agreement it was clear that the initial payment was part of the considerati…

noun

A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.

Usage examples:

He has just signed a contract keeping him with the club

verb

Decrease in size, number, or range.

Usage examples:

Glass contracts as it cools

noun

A legal document that states and explains a formal agreement between two different people or groups, or the agreement itself

Usage examples:

She already has a contract for her next book with a publisher., i have no other contractual obligat…

noun

An agreement.

Usage examples:

There was a covenant between them that her name was never to be mentioned

verb

Agree by lease, deed, or other legal contract.

Usage examples:

The landlord covenants to repair the property

noun

A formal agreement between countries, organizations, or people

verb

Distribute (cards) in an orderly rotation to players for a game or round.

Usage examples:

The cards were dealt for the last hand

noun

An agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit, especially in a business or political context.

Usage examples:

The government was ready to do a deal with the opposition

noun

Fir or pine wood as a building material.

Usage examples:

Softwoods such as deal were more usually painted over

noun

The process of digesting food.

Usage examples:

Different regions of the digestive tract are concerned with storage, secretion, the processes of fo…

noun

The ability of the body to change food chemically so that it can be used

noun

The process by which your body digests food, or your ability to digest food

Usage examples:

Aid digestion discover how eating raw food helps balance your body and aids digestion., poor/good/s…

noun

The ability to judge well.

Usage examples:

An astonishing lack of discernment

noun

The ability to judge people and things well

Usage examples:

It's clear that you are a person of discernment.

noun

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Usage examples:

He has a total lack of empathy for anybody

noun

The ability to share someone else’s feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in that person’s situation

Usage examples:

He loves children and has a certain empathy with them.

noun

The ability to share someone else's feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in that person's situation

noun

An emotional state or reaction.

Usage examples:

A feeling of joy

adjective

Showing emotion or sensitivity.

Usage examples:

She was a feeling child

verb

Be aware of (a person or object) through touching or being touched.

Usage examples:

She felt someone touch her shoulder

adjective

Patient and restrained.

Usage examples:

He proved to be remarkably forbearing whenever i was impatient or angry

verb

Politely or patiently restrain an impulse to do something; refrain.

Usage examples:

He modestly forbears to include his own work

adjective

Patient and forgiving

Usage examples:

The minister praised what he called her "kind and forbearing nature".

adjective

Ready and willing to forgive.

Usage examples:

Taylor was in a forgiving mood

verb

Stop feeling angry or resentful towards (someone) for an offence, flaw, or mistake.

Usage examples:

I'll never forgive david for the way he treated her

adjective

Willing to forgive

Usage examples:

She's very forgiving.

adjective

Friendly and welcoming toward other people

verb

Seize and hold firmly.

Usage examples:

She grasped the bottle

noun

A firm hold or grip.

Usage examples:

The child slipped from her grasp

verb

Hold firmly

verb

Take and keep a firm hold of; grasp tightly.

Usage examples:

His knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel

noun

A firm hold; a tight grasp.

Usage examples:

His arm was held in a vice-like grip

verb

Hold fast or firmly

adjective

Relating to or characteristic of humankind.

Usage examples:

The human body

noun

A human being.

Usage examples:

At least some people are realising that humans are completely abusing the right we have.

adjective

Of or typical of people

Usage examples:

The human body, of course i make mistakes, i’m only human (= not perfect)., the accident was due to…

adjective

Having or showing compassion or benevolence.

Usage examples:

Regulations ensuring the humane treatment of animals

adjective

Showing kindness, care, and sympathy toward others, esp. those who are suffering

Usage examples:

She felt it was more humane to kill the injured animal quickly than to let it suffer.

noun

The capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of someone or something.

Usage examples:

His mind soared to previously unattainable heights of insight

Clear or deep perception of a situation

noun

A clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation, or the ability to have such an understanding

Usage examples:

[ c ] hurston’s writings were recognized for their insights., [ u ] his work shows originality and …

noun

The action of explaining the meaning of something.

Usage examples:

The interpretation of data

noun

An explanation or opinion of what something means

Usage examples:

[ c ] we had different interpretations of the survey results., [ c ] masur’s interpretation of the …

noun

One's range of knowledge or understanding.

Usage examples:

Politics are beyond my ken

verb

Know.

Usage examples:

D'ye ken anyone who can boast of that?

noun

Not in your area of knowledge

Usage examples:

Financial matters are beyond my ken, i'm afraid.

noun

A group of people or things having similar characteristics.

Usage examples:

All kinds of music

adjective

Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.

Usage examples:

She was a good, kind woman

Having a tender and considerate and helpful nature

adjective

(of a person) showing a lot of care and kindness for other people

adverb

In a kind manner.

Usage examples:

‘never mind,’ she said kindly

adjective

Kind, warm-hearted, or gentle.

Usage examples:

He was a quiet, kindly man

adjective

(of a person) having a character that is generous, helpful, and caring about other people

Usage examples:

A kindly man, they treated me kindly.

noun

The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Usage examples:

He thanked them for their kindness and support

noun

The quality of being generous, helpful, and caring about other people, or an act showing this quality

Usage examples:

[ u ] she found his dark features handsome, but was attracted mostly by his kindness., [ c ] she ha…

verb

Be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information.

Usage examples:

Most people know that cfcs can damage the ozone layer

Be cognizant or aware of a fact or a piece of information

verb

To have information in your mind; to be aware of something

Usage examples:

[ i ] “where did he go?” “i don’t know.”, [ t ] do you know the answer?, [ t ] she knows the name o…

noun

Facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.

Usage examples:

A thirst for knowledge

noun

Awareness, understanding, or information that has been obtained by experience or study, and that is either in a person’s mind or possessed by people generally

Usage examples:

How will we use our increasing scientific knowledge?, a lack of knowledge on the part of teachers i…

noun

Skill in, understanding of, or information about something, which a person gets by experience or study

Usage examples:

Acquire/gain/have knowledge, possess/lack knowledge, people working in stores need better product k…

adjective

(of a punishment or person in authority) more merciful or tolerant than expected.

Usage examples:

In the view of the court the sentence was too lenient

adjective

Not as severe or strong in punishment or judgment as would be expected

Usage examples:

Some felt that five years in prison was lenient, considering the suffering he had caused., the defe…

noun

Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a particular subject or activity.

Usage examples:

She played with some mastery

noun

Great skill in a particular job or activity

Usage examples:

Louis armstrong’s mastery of the trumpet is legendary., only a singer of fitzgerald's mastery could…

noun

Complete control of something

Usage examples:

Her mastery of the situation

adjective

Showing or exercising mercy.

Usage examples:

William did not believe in being merciful to those who fought against him

adjective

Showing or giving forgiveness

adjective

Kind and forgiving

Usage examples:

Judges are sometimes more merciful than a jury.

noun

A formal agreement between individuals or parties.

Usage examples:

The country negotiated a trade pact with the us

noun

A formal agreement between two people or groups of people

Usage examples:

A peace pact

noun

A formal agreement between two or more people, groups of people, or organizations

Usage examples:

A pact with sb the free trade pact with the united states should be completed soon., the company ha…

adjective

Able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.

Usage examples:

Be patient, your time will come

noun

A person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.

Usage examples:

Many patients in the hospital were more ill than she was

noun

A person who is receiving medical care, esp. in a hospital, or who is cared for by a particular doctor or dentist when necessary

noun

The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.

Usage examples:

The normal limits to human perception

noun

A belief or opinion, often held by many people and based on how things seem

Usage examples:

We have to change the public's perception that money is being wasted., these photographs will affec…

noun

The quality of being aware of things through the physical senses, especially sight

Usage examples:

Drugs can alter your perception of reality.

noun

The feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others.

Usage examples:

Her voice was full of pity

verb

Feel sorrow for the misfortunes of.

Usage examples:

I could see from their faces that they pitied me

noun

Sympathy and understanding for someone else’s suffering or troubles

Usage examples:

She did not want his pity., it’s a pity you can’t come to the party., i pity people who have to wor…

noun

A solemn promise or undertaking.

Usage examples:

The conference ended with a joint pledge to limit pollution

verb

Commit (a person or organization) by a solemn promise.

Usage examples:

The government pledged itself to deal with environmental problems

noun

A formal promise, or something that is given as a sign that you will keep a promise

Usage examples:

A pledge of friendship, the telethon raised $150,000 in pledges for leukemia research.

noun

A declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.

Usage examples:

What happened to all those firm promises of support?

verb

Assure someone that one will definitely do something or that something will happen.

Usage examples:

He promised to forward my mail

verb

Become fully aware of (something) as a fact; understand clearly.

Usage examples:

He realized his mistake at once

verb

Be fully aware or cognizant of

verb

To become aware of or understand a situation

Usage examples:

He realized the store would be closing in a few minutes., [ + (that) clause ] suddenly i realized (…

verb

Identify (someone or something) from having encountered them before; know again.

Usage examples:

I recognized her when her wig fell off

verb

To know someone or something because you have seen or experienced that person or thing before

Usage examples:

I recognized my old high school teacher from the photograph., doctors are trained to recognize the …

verb

To know what something is because you have seen it before, or because you have heard or read about it

Usage examples:

Managers failed to recognize the symptoms as quickly as they should., more and more people are begi…

adjective

Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences.

Usage examples:

The new method of protein detection was more sensitive than earlier ones

noun

A person who is believed to respond to paranormal influences.

Usage examples:

Thus, the positive results demonstrated by the sensitives do not appear to have resulted from ubiqu…

adjective

Having or showing awareness and understanding, esp. of other people’s feelings and needs

Usage examples:

My experience made me very sensitive to the suffering of others., tom is extremely sensitive about …

noun

The quality or condition of being sensitive.

Usage examples:

A total lack of common decency and sensitivity

noun

The tendency to become upset about things

Usage examples:

[ u ] he didn’t want to say anything because of susan's sensitivity., [ c ] he tried to avoid offen…

noun

The quality of being easily influenced or affected by something

Usage examples:

The preference may be for stocks with less interest-rate sensitivity., he spoke anonymously because…

noun

An official agreement intended to resolve a dispute or conflict.

Usage examples:

Unions succeeded in reaching a pay settlement

noun

Payment of money that is owed

Usage examples:

[ u ] we enclose a check in settlement of your claim., [ u ] early settlement developed around a co…

noun

An official agreement or decision that ends an argument, often involving a payment of money

Usage examples:

Negotiate/reach a settlement, the lawyer negotiated an out-of-court settlement of $2 million., in s…

adjective

Feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy.

Usage examples:

She was sympathetic towards staff with family problems

adjective

Showing, esp. by what you say, that you understand and care about someone’s problems or suffering

Usage examples:

He suffers from back trouble too, so he was sympathetic., we are sympathetic to that point of view …

noun

Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.

Usage examples:

They had great sympathy for the flood victims

noun

A feeling or expression of understanding and caring for someone else who is suffering or has problems that have caused unhappiness

Usage examples:

When robert died, i sent a letter of sympathy to his wife., she tends to be in sympathy with the le…

noun

The act of showing understanding for someone or for a particular situation

Usage examples:

Sympathy for sb the prime minister expressed his sympathy for those injured in the attacks., have g…

idiom

To understand or accept an idea or a piece of information

Usage examples:

Banks need to take on board the views of their customers.

adjective

Showing gentleness, kindness, and affection.

Usage examples:

He was being so kind and tender

verb

Offer or present (something) formally.

Usage examples:

He tendered his resignation as leader

noun

An offer to carry out work, supply goods, or buy land, shares, or another asset at a stated fixed price.

Usage examples:

We invited tenders for up to three more frigates

noun

Gentleness and kindness; kindliness.

Usage examples:

He picked her up in his arms with great tenderness

noun

The quality of being gentle, loving, or kind

Usage examples:

She treated the children with great tenderness., the disease causes pain and tenderness in the musc…

adjective

Absorbed in or involving thought.

Usage examples:

Brows drawn together in thoughtful consideration

adjective

Tending to think seriously about things

Usage examples:

You’re looking very thoughtful – what’s on your mind?, "oh, how thoughtful of you," dina said, open…

adjective

Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behaviour that one does not necessarily agree with.

Usage examples:

We must be tolerant of others

adjective

Having the ability to bear something unpleasant or annoying, or to keep going despite difficulties

Usage examples:

Some grasses are very tolerant of drought., working with young people helps me be a little more tol…

noun

A formally concluded and ratified agreement between states.

Usage examples:

The two presidents signed a ten-year treaty of solidarity

noun

A written agreement between two or more countries that is formally approved and signed by their leaders

Usage examples:

Under the treaty (= according to the agreement), inspections are required to see if any country is …

noun

An agreement between two or more countries, formally approved by their governments

Usage examples:

Ratify/sign a treaty the latest nation to ratify the treaty is france., an air/trade treaty the us …