| 释义 |
understanding
I. noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from understandan to understand + -ing
1. : the act of grasping mentally : comprehension, discernment, interpretation
< a clear understanding of the reasons for his failure >
2.
a. : the ability to understand : the power of comprehending, analyzing, distinguishing, and judging
< an argument aimed at the understanding rather than the emotions >
b. : the condition of having attained to full comprehension
< the book deals with matters beyond a child's understanding >
3. : the faculty or ability of subsuming the particular under the general or of apprehending general relations of particulars; also : judgment 10b
b. : the power to make experience intelligible by bringing perceived particulars under appropriate concepts
c. : the capacity to formulate and apply to experience concepts and categories, to judge, and to draw logical inferences — distinguished from reason; compare dianoia, ratio 1b, techne
4.
a. : a friendly or harmonious relationship
< working for better understanding between nations >
< had never been much understanding between the brothers >
b. : an agreement of opinion or feeling : adjustment of differences
< reached an understanding with the children about television programs >
c. : a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side
< a monetary understanding between two countries >
especially : an informal engagement to marry
d. : an understood or acknowledged condition, limitation, or provision
< allowed to plow up the footpaths during the war on the understanding that they restored them afterward — S.P.B.Mais >
5. : signification, meaning
< according to the usual understanding of the word >
Synonyms: see reason
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from present participle of understanden to understand
1. archaic : knowing, intelligent, skillful
2. : endowed with or displaying understanding
< understanding heart >
3. : possessed of a tolerant, kindly, humane, or sympathetic attitude
< understanding parents >
• un·der·stand·ing·ly adverb
• un·der·stand·ing·ness noun -es |