understanding

adj : characterized by understanding based on comprehension and

discernment and empathy; "an understanding friend"

n 1: the cognitive condition of someone who understands; "he has

virtually no understanding of social cause and effect"

[syn: {apprehension}, {discernment}, {savvy}]

2: the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises;

"they had an agreement that they would not interfere in

each other's business"; "there was an understanding

between management and the workers" [syn: {agreement}]

3: an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an

opinion; "his sympathies were always with the underdog";

"I knew I could count on his understanding" [syn: {sympathy}]

4: the capacity for rational thought or inference or

discrimination; "we are told that man is endowed with

reason and capable of distinguishing good from evil" [syn:

{reason}, {intellect}]