Dictionary
English - Italian

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.

capire, comprendere, intendere

Understand meanings in Italian

capire

Example:
I understand the instructions.
Capisco le istruzioni.
Do you understand what I mean?
Capisci cosa intendo?
Usage: formal/informalContext: General communication
Note: Commonly used to express grasping the meaning or significance of something.

comprendere

Example:
I understand the problem now.
Comprendo il problema ora.
She doesn't understand the complexity of the situation.
Lei non comprende la complessità della situazione.
Usage: formalContext: Formal or technical contexts
Note: Used in more formal settings or when referring to a deeper level of understanding.

intendere

Example:
I understand your point of view.
Intendo il tuo punto di vista.
We need to understand the implications of this decision.
Dobbiamo intendere le implicazioni di questa decisione.
Usage: formalContext: Abstract concepts or intentions
Note: Often used when discussing abstract ideas or intentions rather than concrete facts.

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.
Capisco il tuo punto di vista.
She can't understand why he left.
Non riesce a capire perché se ne sia andato.
He is a very understanding person.
È una persona molto comprensiva.

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.
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