WordGarden.iounderstandable
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌndəstˈændəbəl/
US
- /ˌəndərˈstændəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
able to be understood; clear enough to grasp
natural or unsurprising in the circumstances
Beyond the definition
Something that's understandable is not confusing; it makes sense. Think about explaining a game to a friend: if you explain the rules clearly, they should be easy to follow. It does not always mean agreeing with something; it simply means being able to see why someone might think or act in a certain way. A child's tantrum might be frustrating, but it is often understandable because of their age and their limited ability to express themselves. Sometimes even difficult behavior can seem understandable when you know the person's story.
It is a useful word when you want to show empathy or explain a situation in a clear, human way. You might say, "His decision was difficult, but understandable given the circumstances."
"Understandable" describes something that is easy to comprehend, logical, or reasonable. It implies clarity and accessibility; if something is understandable, it doesn't require a lot of effort to grasp its meaning or purpose.
It's important to note that "understandable" isn't the same as "agreeable." You can understand why someone made a choice you don't approve of. For example: "I don't agree with his methods, but I understand his desperation." This means you recognize the reasons behind his actions even if you wouldn't have done the same thing yourself.
The word is often used to express empathy or acknowledge difficult situations. "It's understandable that she felt overwhelmed after everything that happened." It can also be used to justify a behavior, though cautiously—saying something is "understandable" doesn't necessarily excuse it.
In technical contexts, "understandable" might refer to clear and concise instructions or documentation. A well-written manual should be easily understandable to its intended audience.
So, whether you're describing a simple explanation, a logical decision, or an emotional reaction, "understandable" signifies something that is accessible to the mind—something we can grasp, even if we don't necessarily endorse it.
Examples
- 1
Classroom explanation
The teacher explained the grammar in clear, understandable language.
- 2
Noisy message
Her message was understandable, even with a lot of background noise.
- 3
Software design
The app is designed to be understandable to people who have never used this kind of software before.
- Patternunderstandable to + person/group
clear enough for that person or group to understand
- 4
Natural reaction
It's understandable that he's nervous about starting a new job.
- Patternit is understandable that + clause
someone's reaction makes sense
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Disappointment
Their disappointment was understandable after months of preparation.
- 6
Acceptable reasons
For understandable reasons, she didn't want to talk about the accident.
- Phrasefor understandable reasons
for reasons that people can accept
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- perfectly understandable
- readily understandable
- understandable explanation
- understandable to beginners
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- understandableadjective