understood
understood — adjective
1. referring to a fact, idea, or piece of information that has been fully grasped i
referring to a fact, idea, or piece of information that has been fully grasped in all its important details after study or explanation; the state where comprehension of something is complete.
After the lecture, Christopher felt that the main concept was understood by everyone in the room.
passive: was understood by [group]
Hari checked his notes to make sure the instructions were understood before starting the project.
The teacher asked whether the grammar rule was understood before she began the next lesson.
Once the key ideas are understood, the rest of the chapter becomes much easier.
Abigail struggled with the recipe until each step was understood clearly.
- grasped
More informal; often used for quick or intuitive comprehension
- comprehended
More formal; implies deep intellectual understanding
- appreciated
Emphasizes recognition of value or significance, not just factual grasp
- misunderstood
The direct opposite — grasped incorrectly
- unclear
Describes the information itself rather than the mental state
文法句型
be understood
become understood
make oneself understood
用法筆記
Commonly appears in the passive construction 'be understood' to describe the moment comprehension is achieved. Distinguish from sense 2, which describes a mutual arrangement between parties rather than intellectual grasp.
常見錯誤
2. referring to an arrangement, rule, or set of terms that has been formally or inf
referring to an arrangement, rule, or set of terms that has been formally or informally accepted by all the people involved, without needing to be written down for confirmation.
It was understood between the two teams that the meeting would start at nine o'clock.
it was understood that... — formal mutual agreement
The payment terms were understood and accepted by both sides before the deal was signed.
Mauricio and Luca had an understood agreement not to discuss work during lunch.
It was understood among the housemates that quiet hours started at ten o'clock.
As a family, they had an understood arrangement that everyone helped with the cooking.
- disputed
Not yet agreed upon; still under disagreement
文法句型
it was understood that...
[noun] was understood between [plural noun]
用法筆記
Frequently appears with 'between' or 'among' to indicate the parties involved in the mutual arrangement. This sense emphasizes shared acceptance rather than intellectual comprehension — distinguish from sense 1.
常見錯誤
3. referring to a meaning, rule, or expectation that is implied by context or socia
referring to a meaning, rule, or expectation that is implied by context or social convention rather than directly stated in words; something that everyone involved knows without being told.
It is understood that employees should not use their phones during working hours.
it is understood that... — formal implied rule construction
In a library, the need for silence is understood without anyone saying a word.
Mayumi's nod was an understood signal that she agreed with the plan.
The rules at the gym are understood even though they are never written anywhere.
Kofi's car broke down. Alessia drove him to work — it was understood she would.
文法句型
it is understood that...
[noun] is understood without [verb]-ing
用法筆記
Commonly introduces an implied social convention or expectation in the pattern 'it is understood that...' This sense does not involve a specific agreement between named parties (distinguish from sense 2) nor intellectual grasp after study (distinguish from sense 1).