understanding
un·der·stand·ing / ˌəndərˈstanding/ • n. the ability to understand something; comprehension: foreign visitors with little understanding of English. ∎ the power of abstract thought; intellect: a child of sufficient intelligence and understanding. ∎ an individual's perception or judgment of a situation: my understanding was that he would try to find a new supplier. ∎ sympathetic awareness or tolerance: a problem that needs to be handled with understanding. ∎ an informal or unspoken agreement or arrangement: he and I have an understanding he had only been allowed to come on the understanding that he would be on his best behavior.• adj. 1. sympathetically aware of other people's feelings; tolerant and forgiving: people expect their doctor to be understanding. 2. archaic having insight or good judgment.DERIVATIVES: un·der·stand·ing·ly adv.
