Definition of "understand" []

• To perceive and comprehend the nature and significance of; grasp. See Synonyms at apprehend. (verb-transitive)
• To know thoroughly by close contact or long experience with: That teacher understands children. (verb-transitive)
• To grasp or comprehend the meaning intended or expressed by (another): They have trouble with English, but I can understand them. (verb-transitive)
• To comprehend the language, sounds, form, or symbols of. (verb-transitive)
• To know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward: I can understand your point of view even though I disagree with it. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A person near expressed a fear that he did not understand what I said, being so weak and near death, but he quickly, and with great emphasis, exclaimed, '_I hear, I understand_' While I was praying his expression of countenance was most lovely."
• "And that is not the worst of it; they can't understand that _I can't understand_ them."
• "And some pious neighbors, earnestly exhorting him to solemn concern and preparation, could not make him understand, we repeat with emphasis, _understand_ why there was occasion for any extraordinary disturbance of mind."