understood

word · lemma: understand

/ˌəndɝˈstʊd/
uhn-dur-STUUD
/ˌʌndəstˈʊd/
uhn-duh-STUUD

Definition

Past tense and past participle of 'understand'. It means someone knew the meaning of something, or that something was accepted or clear without needing to be said directly.

Usage & Nuances

Often used after verbs like 'I understood' or 'she was understood'. In conversation, 'Understood.' alone is common and means 'I got it' in a direct, sometimes formal way. In 'it was understood that...', it shows an unstated agreement or assumption.

Example Sentences

I understood the question after the teacher explained it.

basic

She nodded to show that she understood.

basic

It was understood that no one would talk about the meeting outside the office.

natural

The message was not understood by everyone.

basic

Okay, understood — I'll send the file tonight.

natural

I thought we understood each other, but maybe I was wrong.

natural