understand
verb (used with object)
to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of; comprehend.
have understood
-
present perfectof understand.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Coastally trapped Kelvin waves have been known to exist for decades, as long as scientists have understood El Niño.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026
The five former CIA directors or acting directors who signed the statement would have understood this instinctively.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
Few series have understood more clearly that where we eat is often just as revealing as what we eat.
From Salon ● Jun. 30, 2026
"I wouldn't have understood why someone would want to go to the place where the person took their last breath, until I was in this position," she said.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
Doubtless Master Artemis would have understood the physics of this machine; all Butler cared about was whether or not he could disable it.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
