understandable
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of understandable
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: originally, “capable of understanding”; understand + -able
Explanation
Something understandable can be understood or grasped. It makes sense. Since understanding something means you comprehend or get it, when things are understandable, they can be perceived or fathomed. If a friend cancels plans to see a movie because he's sick, that's understandable. Leaving one job for a better paying job is understandable. Eating a lot of cake on your birthday is understandable. Understandable things are easy to grasp and no one is likely to doubt or question them. The opposite of understandable would be weird, odd, or inexplicable.
Vocabulary lists containing understandable
-able, -ible
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-able, -ible
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-able, -ible
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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.
Her language was nasty, but her frustration was somewhat understandable.
From Salon • Jun. 12, 2026
It was perfectly understandable that Tuchel wanted to give England's squad time to get minutes in the bank in testing, strength-sapping conditions.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
It’s understandable for investors to worry about selling their chip holdings too soon, but they should think of it as “trimming” rather than getting out.
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
Yet it’s understandable that the shares are rallying: Not only was Dollar Tree’s quarter marked by broad-based strength, bolstered by healthy comparable sales, but it’s in stark contrast to the previous quarter.
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
The FAE also makes the world a much simpler and more understandable place.
From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
