understanding
96
3.6
- adjective
- /ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/
- Mama, thanks for being so understanding about our wedding.
- supportive and understanding
- more understanding
- very understanding
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Watch on YouTubeI yes, I become very calm, very understanding, very sympathetic.
- I yes, I become very calm, very understanding, very sympathetic.
- And we are very understanding of each other.
- Which has in turn meant I have the most understanding and accepting boyfriend.
- I I think that made me a more understanding, better person.
- And when I'm there, she's now understanding.
Examples
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Mama, thanks for being so understanding about my decision to change schools.
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I have the best, most understanding wife in the world, Jill.
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And we are very understanding of each other.
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Years ago, people were less understanding of my kind.
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I need to be so understanding of him at this difficult time.
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I am a very understanding person.
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Well, um... thank you for taking care of my son... and for being so understanding.
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She's the only honest, understanding person here, which makes my decision to leave all the more difficult.
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Everyone I spoke to that day was respectful, understanding, and kind.
Academic text (2001) -
She's an amazingly understanding woman.
Synonyms
83
2.1
Caring about other people's needs and feelings
28
4.4
To understand and share other people's feelings
16
4.6
To understand and share other people's feelings
6
2.5
A person who is kind and caring
Compounds
5
3.0
A situation where people live together without fighting and understand each other
Knowledge and respect for cultural differences that helps people live or work together
How Empathetic
Surface Forms
Morphology
understanding = understand (semi-transparent) = understand + ing
Adjectival use of the present participle from 'understand'; the empathetic sense is related to comprehension but involves an evaluative/emotional extension.
Etymology
The word understanding comes from old English parts under- and stand, suggesting the idea of 'standing with' someone. That's why an 'understanding' person is kind and able to see how others feel.