understand

If you hear or read something, you know what it means.

• I understand this word.
• Did you understand what she said?
• He understood the instructions after reading them twice.

How to use it: understand what/how/why… (I don't understand what this sentence means.)

Similar words: get, comprehend, grasp

Opposites: misunderstand

Common phrases: understand a question, understand someone, understand the instructions

You know a subject, activity, or situation well enough to deal with it properly.

• He understands computers well.
• The team understood the task and started work.
• You must understand the rules before you can coach others.

How to use it: understand how something works (She understands how the heating system works.)

Similar words: know, comprehend, grasp

Common phrases: understand the system, understand the task, understand the business

You recognize a fact or accept that something is true, even if you dislike it.

• I understand that rules are necessary.
• She understood why they had refused her request.
• We understand your decision, although we are disappointed.

How to use it: understand that… (I understand that the tickets cannot be refunded.); understand why… (We understand why the road must stay closed.)

Similar words: recognize, appreciate, accept

Common phrases: understand the reason, understand the situation, understand the principle