un‧der‧stand‧ing 1 W3 / ʌndəstændɪŋ $ -ər- / 名词

1 [单数形式，不可数] knowledge about something, based on learning or experience

understanding of

How does this add to our understanding of the problem?

If you know the neighbourhood, you have an understanding of what the children are like.

Linguists currently have little understanding of the exact cause of language change.

How can we gain an understanding of other cultures?

Over time, you will get a far better understanding of the job.

Success depends on a clear understanding of the problem.

a basic understanding of AIDS prevention

2 [可数名词，通常单数] an unofficial or informal agreement

come to/reach an understanding (= stop arguing and agree )

My father was furious at first, but eventually we came to an understanding.

We had an understanding that Jean-Claude should never be mentioned.

3 [单数形式，不可数] the ability to understand people’s behaviour and to forgive them when they do something wrong :

The principal listened to the boy’s story with sympathy and understanding.

4 sb’s understanding (of something) the way in which someone judges the meaning of something :

According to my understanding of the letter, it means something quite different.

5 on the understanding that if you agree to something on the understanding that something else will be done, you agree to it, believing that it will be done :

Jack lent Sarah the money on the understanding that she would pay it back next month.

COLLOCATIONS

动词

have an understanding The authorities don’t seem to have a clear understanding of the problem.

gain/get/develop an understanding Scientists continued to gain a greater understanding of the effects of radiation.

deepen/broaden an understanding It is hoped that the research will broaden our understanding of the disease.

increase/improve/enhance sb’s understanding The classes really helped to increase our understanding of the subject.

形容词

a better/greater/deeper understanding All of this will lead to a better understanding of the overseas market.

a clear understanding Before you begin, it is vital that you have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve.

a complete/thorough/full understanding The degree gives students a thorough understanding of issues relating to housing.

a proper/real understanding They lacked any real understanding of the subject.

a good understanding The sales force has a good understanding of the market.

a basic understanding The aim of the examination is to test basic understanding of the written language.

a limited understanding We have only a limited understanding of how the brain processes this information.