understanding
     adj : characterized by understanding based on comprehension and
           discernment and empathy; "an understanding friend"
     n 1: the cognitive condition of someone who understands; "he has
          virtually no understanding of social cause and effect"
          [syn: {apprehension}, {discernment}, {savvy}]
     2: the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises;
        "they had an agreement that they would not interfere in
        each other's business"; "there was an understanding
        between management and the workers" [syn: {agreement}]
     3: an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an
        opinion; "his sympathies were always with the underdog";
        "I knew I could count on his understanding" [syn: {sympathy}]
     4: the capacity for rational thought or inference or
        discrimination; "we are told that man is endowed with
        reason and capable of distinguishing good from evil" [syn:
         {reason}, {intellect}]