- past tense form of understand.
- past participle of understand.
understood
Americanverb
adjective
-
agreed upon; known in advance; assented to.
It is the understood policy of this establishment to limit credit.
-
implied but not stated; left unexpressed.
The understood meaning of a danger sign is “Do not approach.”
verb
adjective
-
implied or inferred
-
taken for granted; assumed
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of understood
First recorded in 1600–10, for the adjective
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.
Scientists have long understood that a patient's physical fitness can influence their ability to withstand illness.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026
The Dodgers understood that this outcome was a possibility when the season began.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
He says his estimate “should be understood as an informed range rather than a precise forecast.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
It is understood Martinez has been formally punished for his outburst with a fine.
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
“Oh, I see,” Katherine said, as if she understood everything.
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
