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understandingly

A2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˌʌndəstˈændɪŋlɪ/

US

  • /ˌʌndərstˈændɪŋli/

Description

To act understandingly means to react in a kind, patient, and sympathetic way because you see why someone feels or behaves as they do. It is often used when a person notices another person's trouble, mistake, fear, or stress and responds with care instead of blame. Imagine a parent facing a child's tantrum; rather than simply scolding, the parent responds understandingly by seeing the tiredness or frustration behind the behavior.

The word is most often about people and feelings, not just facts. You might smile understandingly, listen understandingly, or speak understandingly to someone who is having a hard time. It shows that your response comes from sympathy and a real sense of what the other person is going through.

Examples

  1. 1

    Workplace

    When I explained why I was late, my boss nodded understandingly.

  2. 2

    Classroom

    The teacher smiled understandingly when the student forgot the word.

  3. 3

    Reassurance

    "The first week is always the hardest," she said understandingly.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • understandinglyadverb