- [uncountable, singular] understanding (of something) the knowledge that somebody has about a particular subject or situation
- Students will gain a broad understanding of the workings of Parliament.
- a deep/clear understanding of something
- Unions said her comments showed a complete lack of understanding of what the civil service does.
- She possesses a thorough understanding of the nature of the threat we are faced with.
- The book aims to inform readers seeking a greater understanding of the issues involved.
- The committee has little or no understanding of the problem.
- to develop/improve/increase understanding of something
- to contribute to/lead to an understanding of something
- Most of the students have a sound understanding of English grammar.
- The existence of God is beyond human understanding (= humans cannot know whether God exists or not).
Extra Examples- Our understanding of the process is now much better.
- Such an approach to education does not expand children's knowledge and understanding of the world.
- The report gave the commission an understanding of the types of problems the police were facing.
- The course is designed for healthcare professionals who need a basic understanding of the subject.
- All of this research informs our understanding of how disease processes work.
- He had a poor understanding of international law.
- He showed a full understanding of the sequence of events.
- How children change so quickly is beyond my understanding.
- Scientists are seeking a better understanding of the process.
- She has only a limited understanding of what the job involves.
- Some religions have a common understanding of the nature of a divine being.
- The book aims to give children a balanced understanding of food and the environment.
- The idea of eternity is beyond our full understanding.
- The students seem to have a reasonable level of understanding of how genes work.
- This change of policy reflects a growing understanding of the extent of the problem.
- You need to read more widely to gain a proper understanding of the issue.
- a book that will deepen your understanding of global warming
- His writings reflect a good understanding of the society he lived in.
- Our growing understanding of genetics raises some complex issues.
- She has always shown great understanding of local political structures.
- The course should help enhance your understanding of the treatments available.
- There is a general lack of understanding about the problems facing newly arrived immigrants.
- You will need to have a thorough understanding of financial systems.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- human
- pass
- beyond (your) understanding
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- [uncountable, singular] the ability to understand why people behave in a particular way and to forgive them when they do something wrong
- Organizers of the rally say they want to promote understanding, tolerance and open-mindedness.
- These efforts would foster mutual understanding and respect for different values.
- We must tackle the problem with sympathy and understanding.
- Try to show a little more understanding.
- understanding between A and B We are looking for a better understanding between the two nations.
Extra Examples- He didn't show much understanding towards her when she lost her job.
- Greater contact between the two groups should lead to a better mutual understanding.
- She gave me a look filled with sympathetic understanding.
- She suddenly had a new understanding for her mother.
- There is generally good will and understanding between workers and employers.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- deeper
- great
- common
- …
- show
- bring
- bring about
- …
- understanding among
- understanding between
- understanding for
- …
- [countable, usually singular] an informal agreement
- understanding about something We finally came to an understanding about what hours we would work.
- understanding that… We have this understanding that nobody talks about work over lunch.
- understanding with somebody I think I've reached an understanding with my mother.
Extra ExamplesTopics Discussion and agreementb2- I have a clear understanding with any lawyer I hire.
- There is an unspoken understanding that Hugh will be in charge while Jane is away.
- They came to an understanding on when final payment was to be made.
- an understanding between the companies to fight against the proposed tax reform
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- written
- verbal
- implicit
- …
- have
- come to
- reach
- …
- understanding between
- understanding on
- understanding with
- …
- [uncountable, countable] understanding (of something) the particular way in which somebody understands something synonym interpretation
- My understanding of the situation is different.
- It was our understanding that you had already been informed.
- My understanding is that we're meeting him at the theatre.
- The statement is open to various understandings.
Idioms
See understanding in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee understanding in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishon the understanding that…
- (formal) used to introduce a condition that must be agreed before something else can happen
- They agreed to the changes on the understanding that they would be introduced gradually.
- I thought you gave me the book on the understanding that I could keep it.
Check pronunciation:
understanding