understandable
Understandable (adjective) means Able to be understood; clear. Example: “The teacher gave an understandable explanation of the tax system.”
adjective
1
Able to be understood; clear.
"The teacher gave an understandable explanation of the tax system."
"The instructions were short and understandable, so everyone finished the task quickly."
"Please write in understandable language, not technical jargon."
2
Reasonable given the circumstances, even if not ideal.
"Your frustration is completely understandable after such a long delay."
"It is understandable that he felt nervous before his first big speech."
"Given the bad weather, their decision to stay home was perfectly understandable."
How to use understandable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEasy to make sense of, or reasonable to feel given the situation.
Common pairings
perfectly understandable
understandable reaction
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more understandable
- Superlative
- most understandable
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The teacher gave an _____ explanation of the tax system.
Etymology
From understand plus the suffix -able.
Synonyms
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comprehensible
reasonable
excusable
forgivable
logical
graspable
intelligible
apprehensible
perceivable
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for understandable
See all rhymes for understandable →Frequently asked questions
What does “understandable” mean?
The word “understandable” means able to be understood; clear. In plain terms, easy to make sense of, or reasonable to feel given the situation.
How do you use “understandable” in a sentence?
Here is “understandable” used in a sentence: “The teacher gave an understandable explanation of the tax system.”
What is the opposite of “understandable”?
The opposite of “understandable” — its antonyms — are incomprehensible, unfathomable, inexcusable and unacceptable.
What part of speech is “understandable”?
“Understandable” is an adjective.
Is “understandable” a common word?
“Understandable” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “understandable” have?
“Understandable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to be understood; clear.
What is the difference between understandable and understanding?
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.
When do you use understandable instead of clear?
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.
Can understandable describe an emotion or reaction?
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.
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