Understanding and Learning: English Vocabulary List

to fully understand something, especially something complicated

"The child cannot comprehend complex ideas."

"Young children often cannot comprehend abstract concepts like death or infinity because their brains are still developing."

to become knowledgeable or skilled in something by doing it, studying, or being taught

"Children learn new things daily."

"Students learn more effectively when they are actively engaged in the lesson rather than passively listening to a lecture."

to know something's meaning, particularly something that someone says

"I understand your point of view."

"It took me a while to understand the complex instructions but eventually everything became clear and I finished the task."

to have a sudden or complete understanding of a fact or situation

"He finally realized his mistake."

"He did not realize how much his words had hurt her until he saw the tears streaming down her face."

to spend time to learn about certain subjects by reading books, going to school, etc.

"Study hard for your final exams."

"She needs to study for at least three hours every night to prepare for her difficult medical school entrance exams."

to mentally grasp something or someone's words or actions

"I get your point."

"It took me a while to get the complex instructions for assembling the new furniture, but I finally understood them."

to pay attention and become aware of a particular thing or person

"I notice a change in you."

"Did you notice how the speaker paused dramatically before revealing the surprising conclusion of her inspiring story?"

to realize or understand something

"See the bright star."

"From the top of the mountain you can see the entire valley spread out below like a beautiful green carpet."

to have some information about something

"I know the answer to that."

"I have known my best friend since we were five years old and we have shared many wonderful memories together."

to become aware or gain information by chance

"Columbus discovered the new continent."

"Scientists discovered a new species of deep sea fish that glows in the dark to attract prey."

to understand something such as an explanation, story, or the meaning of something

"I follow your idea."

"It was difficult to follow the complex instructions for assembling the furniture."

to find the answer to a question or problem

"Help me figure out this puzzle."

"It took the detective several weeks to figure out who had committed the crime because there were many false clues."