definition of
understand

[1] #1 understand v. know and comprehend the nature or meaning of; "She did not understand her husband"; "I understand what she means". wn

[2] #2 understand v. [realize, realise, see] perceive (an idea or situation) mentally; "Now I see!"; "I just can't see your point"; "Does she realize how important this decision is?"; "I don't understand the idea". wn

[3] #3 understand v. [read, interpret, translate] make sense of a language; "She understands French"; "Can you read Greek?". wn

[4] #4 understand v. [infer] believe to be the case; "I understand you have no previous experience?". wn

[5] #5 understand v. [sympathize, sympathise, empathize, empathise] be understanding of; "You don't need to explain--I understand!". wn