Dictionary
English - French
Understand
ˌəndərˈstænd
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
comprendre, saisir, appréhender, capter, percevoir
Understand meanings in French
comprendre
Example:
I understand the situation now.
Je comprends maintenant la situation.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Est-ce que tu comprends ce que je dis?
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in everyday conversations, educational contexts, and formal discussions.
Note: This is the most common translation of 'understand' in French and is widely used in various contexts.
saisir
Example:
I finally grasped the concept.
J'ai enfin saisi le concept.
Can you grasp the importance of this?
Peux-tu saisir l'importance de cela?
Usage: formal/informalContext: Often used in more abstract contexts, such as understanding concepts or ideas.
Note: This term conveys a deeper level of understanding, often implying insight or comprehension of complex ideas.
appréhender
Example:
I apprehend the risks involved in this decision.
J'appréhende les risques liés à cette décision.
He apprehended the challenges ahead.
Il appréhendait les défis à venir.
Usage: formalContext: Used in contexts where there is an element of concern or anxiety about understanding something.
Note: This word often implies a cautious or worried understanding of a situation.
capter
Example:
I can't quite catch what you're saying.
Je ne peux pas vraiment capter ce que tu dis.
He has a knack for catching the nuances.
Il a un talent pour capter les nuances.
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversations, especially among younger speakers.
Note: This is a more colloquial way of expressing understanding, often used in informal settings.
percevoir
Example:
I perceive the underlying issues in our discussion.
Je perçois les problèmes sous-jacents dans notre discussion.
She perceives the emotions behind his words.
Elle perçoit les émotions derrière ses mots.
Usage: formalContext: Used in contexts involving perception and understanding beyond the literal meaning.
Note: This term suggests a more intuitive or emotional understanding of a situation.
Understand's synonyms
comprehend
To grasp the meaning or significance of something.
Example: She struggled to comprehend the complex instructions.
Note: Comprehend is often used for deeper understanding or grasping complex ideas.
grasp
To understand something completely or thoroughly.
Example: It took him a while to grasp the concept of quantum physics.
Note: Grasp can imply a more thorough or complete understanding.
get
To come to understand or realize something.
Example: I finally got what she was trying to say.
Note: Get is a more colloquial and informal way of expressing understanding.
perceive
To become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses.
Example: He perceived the underlying message in her words.
Note: Perceive often involves sensing or becoming aware of something rather than just understanding it intellectually.
Understand expressions, common phrases
Get the hang of
To become familiar or skilled in something; to understand or master something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of using the new software.
Note: This phrase emphasizes gaining proficiency or skill in understanding something.
Wrap one's head around
To understand something that is complex or difficult to grasp.
Example: I can't wrap my head around the concept of time travel.
Note: This phrase highlights the challenge of comprehending a difficult or abstract concept.
Click with
To be easily understood or accepted by someone.
Example: The new teaching method really clicked with the students.
Note: This phrase suggests a positive reception or quick understanding of something.
Make sense of
To understand or interpret something logically; to find meaning in something.
Example: After reading the instructions a few times, I was able to make sense of them.
Note: This phrase focuses on interpreting information or situations in a coherent and logical way.
Grasp the concept
To understand the fundamental idea or meaning of something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally grasped the concept of quantum physics.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to understanding the core idea or principle behind a concept.
Catch on
To begin to understand or realize something after a period of confusion.
Example: She was a bit confused at first, but eventually, she caught on to the new rules.
Note: This phrase indicates a gradual understanding or realization after initial confusion or uncertainty.
See eye to eye
To agree with someone; to have the same opinion or understanding.
Example: We don't always see eye to eye on every issue, but we respect each other's opinions.
Note: This phrase refers to having a shared perspective or agreement on a particular matter.
Understand everyday (slang) expressions
Get it
To understand or comprehend something.
Example: I finally get it! Thanks for explaining it to me.
Note: Similar to 'understand', but more casual and conversational.
Pick up
To grasp or comprehend something.
Example: It took me a while, but I finally picked up what he was saying.
Note: Implies gradually understanding something, similar to learning.
Cotton on to
To finally understand or become aware of something after it was not immediately clear.
Example: I've finally cottoned on to what she's been hinting at all this time.
Note: Suggests a sudden realization or understanding after a period of confusion or uncertainty.
Get the picture
To finally grasp the full understanding of something, especially after multiple explanations or instances.
Example: I explained it three times already. Do you finally get the picture?
Note: Conveys a sense of clarity or completion in understanding a situation or concept.
Catch the drift
To understand the hidden or implied meaning behind something.
Example: He was dropping hints all night, and I finally caught the drift.
Note: Focuses on understanding subtle or indirect messages rather than explicit information.
Tune in
To become aware of or understand something, especially after initially not paying attention or being confused.
Example: It took a while, but I eventually tuned in to what she was trying to say.
Note: Similar to picking up or grasping something, but also implies paying attention and focusing on understanding.
Nailed it
To perfectly understand or accomplish something.
Example: After studying all night, I finally nailed the concept for the exam.
Note: Indicates not just understanding, but mastering or excelling at a particular concept or task.
Understand - Examples
I understand your point of view.
Je comprends votre point de vue.
She can't understand why he left.
Elle ne peut pas comprendre pourquoi il est parti.
He is a very understanding person.
C'est une personne très compréhensive.
Understand grammar
Understand - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: understand
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): understood
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): understood
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): understanding
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): understands
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): understand
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): understand
Syllables, Separation and Stress
understand Contains 3 syllables: un • der • stand
Phonetic transcription: ˌən-dər-ˈstand
un der stand , ˌən dər ˈstand (The red syllable is stressed)
Understand - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
understand: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
...