understand
verb (used with object)
to perceive the meaning of; grasp the idea of; comprehend.
was understanding
-
past progressiveof understand.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The Brookings review also noted that an important question for Treasurys was understanding “whether or not new demand from stablecoins would be stable or volatile” when determining “the optimal debt maturity structure.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
Tilson Thomas said that the key to understanding him was understanding his extraordinary ancestry.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026
Throughout March, the story for consumers and investors was understanding the implications of the war with Iran.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 9, 2026
She was understanding and said she'd brought a raincoat.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2025
Our Father finally caught on, nobody was understanding his horrible stabs at French or Kikongo, either one.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
