Understood vs. Understand — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
"Understood" is the past tense, denoting comprehension that occurred, while "understand" is present, indicating ongoing comprehension.
Difference Between Understood and Understand
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Key Differences
"Understood" is the past tense and past participle of "understand," implying that comprehension or grasping of information, instructions, or concepts has already occurred at a specific point in the past. It signifies that the process of understanding is complete. On the other hand, "understand" is the present tense form, denoting the current process of comprehending or being aware of something. This form suggests that the act of understanding is happening in the present or generally occurs.
When using "understood," one refers to a completed action or state of comprehension. It's often used to confirm that someone has previously grasped the information or to reflect on past experiences of understanding. Whereas "understand" suggests an ongoing action or state, indicating that the speaker is currently in the process of comprehending information or consistently understands it over time.
The context in which "understood" is used often involves reflecting on past communications, lessons, or experiences, indicating that the information or instructions given were comprehended at that earlier time. In contrast, "understand" is used in present situations, such as during conversations or teachings, to express current comprehension or inquire about someone's present understanding of the topic at hand.
"Understood" might be used to assure someone that the information has been comprehensively received and processed, closing the topic. "Understand," however, can invite further discussion or clarification, as it implies that the process of understanding is active and possibly incomplete.
The choice between "understood" and "understand" also affects the tone and implication of sentences, with "understood" often bringing a sense of completion or resolution to discussions, while "understand" keeps the dialogue open for ongoing comprehension, questions, or clarifications.
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Comparison Chart
Tense
Past tense and past participle
Present tense
Implication
Comprehension has occurred in the past
Ongoing comprehension or general ability
Usage Context
Reflecting on past understanding
Expressing current or ongoing understanding
Communication
Often indicates a closed discussion
Can imply an open, ongoing discussion
Example
I understood the instructions yesterday.
I understand the instructions now.
Compare with Definitions
Understood
Past comprehension.
She understood the math concept after the teacher's explanation.
Understand
Present assurance.
Do you understand? ensures current comprehension.
Understood
Basis for action.
With the plan fully understood, the team proceeded confidently.
Understand
Current comprehension.
I understand the process now, thanks to your detailed explanation.
Understood
Historical clarity.
The cultural significance was better understood after the visit.
Understand
General capability.
They understand English very well.
Understood
Reflective assurance.
Understood, he said, signaling he had grasped the details.
Understand
Open to clarification.
Do you understand what this means?
Understood
Completion of understanding.
Once the terms were explained, they were clearly understood.
Understand
Ongoing process.
As we speak, I'm beginning to understand the complexity of the issue.
Understood
Past tense and past participle of understand.
Understand
Perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker)
He didn't understand a word I said
She understood what he was saying
He could usually make himself understood
Understood
Agreed on; assumed
The understood conditions of troop withdrawal.
Understand
Interpret or view (something) in a particular way
As the term is usually understood, legislation refers to regulations and directives
Understood
Not expressed in writing; implied
The understood provisos of a custody agreement.
Understand
Be sympathetically or knowledgeably aware of the character or nature of
I understand how you feel
Picasso understood colour
Understood
Having been comprehended.
Understand
To become aware of the nature and significance of; know or comprehend
She understands the difficulty involved.
Understood
Simple past tense and past participle of understand
Understand
To become aware of the intended meaning of (a person or remark, for example)
We understand what they're saying.
We just disagree with it. When he began describing his eccentric theories, we could no longer understand him.
Understood
Indicates comprehension on the part of the speaker.
Understand
To know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward
Hoped that they would understand my complaint.
Understood
Fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation;
The understood conditions of troop withdrawal were clear
Understand
To know thoroughly by close contact or long experience with
That teacher understands children. I understand the basics of car repair.
Understood
Indicated by necessary connotation though not expressed directly;
Gave silent consent
A tacit agreement
The understood provisos of a custody agreement
Understand
To learn indirectly or infer, as from hearsay
I understand his departure was unexpected. Am I to understand you are staying the night?.
Understand
To assume to be or accept as agreed
It is understood that the fee will be $50.
Understand
To supply or add (words or a meaning, for example) mentally
A verb is understood at the end of the statement "Yes, let's.".
Understand
To have understanding, knowledge, or comprehension.
Understand
To have sympathy or tolerance
You're upset. I understand.
Understand
To learn something indirectly or secondhand; gather.
Understand
(transitive) To grasp a concept fully in one's mind, especially (of words, statements, art, etc.) to be aware of the meaning of and (of people) to be aware of the intent of.
I'm sorry. I don't understand.
Please try to understand. It's not you, it's me.
Understand
To believe, to think one grasps sufficiently despite potentially incomplete knowledge.
I understand that you have a package for me?
In the imperative mood, the word “you” is usually understood.
Understand
To stand underneath, to support.
Understand
To have just and adequate ideas of; to apprehended the meaning or intention of; to have knowledge of; to comprehend; to know; as, to understand a problem in Euclid; to understand a proposition or a declaration; the court understands the advocate or his argument; to understand the sacred oracles; to understand a nod or a wink.
Speaketh [i. e., speak thou] so plain at this time, I you pray,That we may understande what ye say.
I understand not what you mean by this.
Understood not all was but a show.
A tongue not understanded of the people.
Understand
To be apprised, or have information, of; to learn; to be informed of; to hear; as, I understand that Congress has passed the bill.
Understand
To recognize or hold as being or signifying; to suppose to mean; to interpret; to explain.
The most learned interpreters understood the words of sin, and not of Abel.
Understand
To mean without expressing; to imply tacitly; to take for granted; to assume.
War, then, war,Open or understood, must be resolved.
Understand
To stand under; to support.
Understand
To have the use of the intellectual faculties; to be an intelligent being.
Imparadised in you, in whom aloneI understand, and grow, and see.
Understand
To be informed; to have or receive knowledge.
I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah.
Understand
Know and comprehend the nature or meaning of;
She did not understand her husband
I understand what she means
Understand
Perceive (an idea or situation) mentally;
Now I see!
I just can't see your point
Does she realize how important this decision is?
I don't understand the idea
Understand
Make sense of a language;
She understands French
Can you read Greek?
Understand
Believe to be the case;
I understand you have no previous experience?
Understand
Be understanding of;
You don't need to explain--I understand!
Common Curiosities
How do I know if I should use "understood" or "understand"?
Choose "understood" for past comprehension and "understand" for current or ongoing comprehension.
Can "understood" be used in the present tense?
No, "understood" is specifically the past tense and cannot be correctly used to describe present comprehension.
Can "understood" imply future understanding?
Indirectly, it might imply that past understanding will influence future actions, but it directly refers to past comprehension.
Why is tense important in understanding "understood" and "understand"?
Tense determines the timing of comprehension, which is crucial for accurate communication about when understanding occurs.
Is it correct to say "I have understood" for recent comprehension?
Yes, "I have understood" is correct and emphasizes that you recently came to understand something.
What does it mean when someone says "Understood"?
It means they have comprehended the information or instructions given, usually referring to a past moment.
How does context change the use of "understood" and "understand"?
Context dictates whether comprehension is being referred to as a past event or as current/ongoing, affecting the choice of word.
How does adding "now" change the meaning of "I understand"?
It emphasizes current comprehension, contrasting with any previous misunderstanding or lack of knowledge.
Can "understand" be used to express empathy?
Yes, saying "I understand" can convey empathy and recognition of someone's feelings or situation in the present.
Is "understand" always about the present?
Primarily, yes, though it can also imply a general ability to comprehend over time, not tied to a specific moment.
How do "understood" and "understand" relate to learning processes?
They represent different stages of the learning process, with "understand" indicating the acquisition of knowledge and "understood" marking the completion of a learning phase.
Can the use of "understand" imply a lack of complete comprehension?
Potentially, yes, since it can suggest an ongoing process, there might be room for further clarification.
What role does "understood" play in instructional settings?
It's often used to confirm that instructions or information have been comprehended by students or participants in the past.
Why might someone ask "Do you understand?" during a conversation?
To confirm current comprehension and ensure that the listener has grasped the information or instructions being discussed.
Is there a difference in formality between "understood" and "understand"?
Not inherently, but "understood" might be used more formally in certain contexts to confirm past agreement or comprehension.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
