understandable

The word “understandable” means able to be understood; clear. In plain terms, easy to make sense of, or reasonable to feel given the situation.

Here is “understandable” used in a sentence: “The teacher gave an understandable explanation of the tax system.”

The opposite of “understandable” — its antonyms — are incomprehensible, unfathomable, inexcusable and unacceptable.

“Understandable” is an adjective.

“Understandable” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Understandable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to be understood; clear.

Understandable describes something that can be understood or that makes sense given the circumstances, such as an understandable mistake. Understanding describes a person's quality of being sympathetic or patient toward others. The two words apply to different things: situations versus people.

Clear usually refers to something being easy to grasp because it is well explained or unambiguous, such as clear instructions. Understandable can carry that same sense, but it is also used to describe reactions or feelings that make sense given the circumstances, such as understandable frustration.

Yes, understandable is often used to say a feeling or behaviour is reasonable given the situation, even if it is not ideal, as in 'her anger was understandable.' This use excuses or explains a reaction rather than judging whether it can be comprehended.