{ "term": "understanding", "partOfSpeech": "noun", "ox3000": true, "cefr": "a2", "definitions": [ { "senseNumber": 1, "definition": "the knowledge that somebody has about a particular subject or situation", "sensetop": "understanding (of something)", "cefr": "a2", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Students will **gain** a broad **understanding** of the workings of Parliament." }, { "text": "a **deep/clear understanding** of something" }, { "text": "Unions said her comments showed a complete **lack of understanding** of what the civil service does." }, { "text": "She possesses a thorough **understanding of the nature** of the threat we are faced with." }, { "text": "The book aims to inform readers seeking a greater **understanding of the issues** involved." }, { "text": "The committee **has** little or no **understanding** of the problem." }, { "text": "to **develop/improve/increase understanding** of something" }, { "text": "to contribute to/lead to an understanding of something" }, { "text": "Most of the students have a sound understanding of English grammar." }, { "text": "The existence of God is beyond human understanding *(= humans cannot know whether God exists or not)*." }, { "text": "Our understanding of the process is now much better." }, { "text": "Such an approach to education does not expand children's knowledge and understanding of the world." }, { "text": "The report gave the commission an understanding of the types of problems the police were facing." }, { "text": "The course is designed for healthcare professionals who need a basic understanding of the subject." }, { "text": "All of this research informs our understanding of how disease processes work." }, { "text": "He had a poor understanding of international law." }, { "text": "He showed a full understanding of the sequence of events." }, { "text": "How children change so quickly is beyond my understanding." }, { "text": "Scientists are seeking a better understanding of the process." }, { "text": "She has only a limited understanding of what the job involves." }, { "text": "Some religions have a common understanding of the nature of a divine being." }, { "text": "The book aims to give children a balanced understanding of food and the environment." }, { "text": "The idea of eternity is beyond our full understanding." }, { "text": "The students seem to have a reasonable level of understanding of how genes work." }, { "text": "This change of policy reflects a growing understanding of the extent of the problem." }, { "text": "You need to read more widely to gain a proper understanding of the issue." }, { "text": "a book that will deepen your understanding of global warming" }, { "text": "His writings reflect a good understanding of the society he lived in." }, { "text": "Our growing understanding of genetics raises some complex issues." }, { "text": "She has always shown great understanding of local political structures." }, { "text": "The course should help enhance your understanding of the treatments available." }, { "text": "There is a general lack of understanding about the problems facing newly arrived immigrants." }, { "text": "You will need to have a thorough understanding of financial systems." } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["human"], "verb + understanding": ["pass"], "preposition": ["beyond (your) understanding"] } }, { "senseNumber": 2, "definition": "the ability to understand why people behave in a particular way and to forgive them when they do something wrong", "sensetop": "understanding between A and B", "cefr": "b1", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "Organizers of the rally say they want to **promote understanding**, tolerance and open-mindedness." }, { "text": "These efforts would foster **mutual understanding** and respect for different values." }, { "text": "We must tackle the problem with sympathy and understanding." }, { "text": "Try to show a little more understanding." }, { "text": "We are looking for a **better understanding** between the two nations.", "contextForm": "understanding between A and B" }, { "text": "He didn't show much understanding towards her when she lost her job." }, { "text": "Greater contact between the two groups should lead to a better mutual understanding." }, { "text": "She gave me a look filled with sympathetic understanding." }, { "text": "She suddenly had a new understanding for her mother." }, { "text": "There is generally good will and understanding between workers and employers." } ], "collocations": { "adjective": ["deeper", "great", "common"], "verb + understanding": ["show", "bring", "bring about"], "preposition": [ "understanding among", "understanding between", "understanding for" ] } }, { "senseNumber": 3, "definition": "an informal agreement", "sensetop": "understanding about somethingunderstanding that…understanding with somebody", "cefr": "b2", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "We finally **came to an understanding** about what hours we would work.", "contextForm": "understanding about something" }, { "text": "We **have** this **understanding** that nobody talks about work over lunch.", "contextForm": "understanding that…" }, { "text": "I think I've reached an understanding with my mother.", "contextForm": "understanding with somebody" }, { "text": "I have a clear understanding with any lawyer I hire." }, { "text": "There is an unspoken understanding that Hugh will be in charge while Jane is away." }, { "text": "They came to an understanding on when final payment was to be made." }, { "text": "an understanding between the companies to fight against the proposed tax reform" } ], "topics": ["Discussion and agreement"], "collocations": { "adjective": ["written", "verbal", "implicit"], "verb + understanding": ["have", "come to", "reach"], "preposition": [ "understanding between", "understanding on", "understanding with" ] } }, { "senseNumber": 4, "definition": "the particular way in which somebody understands something", "sensetop": "understanding (of something)", "cefr": "b2", "ox3000": true, "examples": [ { "text": "My understanding of the situation is different." }, { "text": "It was our understanding that you had already been informed." }, { "text": "My understanding is that we're meeting him at the theatre." }, { "text": "The statement is open to various understandings." } ] }, { "senseNumber": null, "definition": "used to introduce a condition that must be agreed before something else can happen", "labels": "(formal)", "examples": [ { "text": "They agreed to the changes on the understanding that they would be introduced gradually." }, { "text": "I thought you gave me the book on the understanding that I could keep it." } ], "topics": ["Discussion and agreement", "Permission and obligation"] } ], "pronunciations": { "uk": [ { "pronunciation": "/ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/", "audio": "un/understanding/understanding__gb_1.mp3" } ], "us": [ { "pronunciation": "/ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋ/", "audio": "un/understanding/understanding__us_1.mp3" } ] }, "wordOrigin": null }