understand · v
I/we understand (that)...
C1 used to say that you believe something is true because someone has told you it is
Dictionary examples:
I understand that the school is due to close next year. (32.1)
understand (KNOW MEANING)
A1 to know the meaning of something that someone says
Dictionary examples:
Can you understand baby talk? (0.0)
I don't understand why cats meow. (0.0)
I don't understand why ice is cold. (0.0)
Is there anyone here who understands Arabic? (12.9)
I don't understand half of what he says. (16.4)
She explained the whole idea again, but I still didn't understand. (18.5)
understand (KNOW WHY/HOW)
A2 to know why or how something happens or works, or how to do something
Dictionary examples:
I don't understand why my phone dies when I need it! (0.0)
Do you understand how to wake up without an alarm? (0.0)
Do you understand how to make pizza without burning it? (0.0)
We still don't fully understand how the brain works. (28.2)
I don't understand why my computer crashes so often. (28.5)
understand (KNOW FEELINGS)
B1 to know how someone feels or why they behave in a particular way
Dictionary examples:
I finally understand why my cat stares at the wall for hours. (0.0)
My dog understands me better than my family does sometimes. (0.0)
Now I understand why my umbrella always disappears on rainy days. (0.0)
I don't understand James sometimes. (6.1)
I understand why she's so angry. (12.6)
make yourself understood
C1 to say something to someone in a way that they understand
Dictionary examples:
I had a little difficulty making myself understood. (20.7)