understandable - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
understandable Word Meanings
- in a way that is easy to understand
- in a manner that is reasonable or justifiable
- logically explainable
understandable Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
understandable Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌʌndəˈstændəbl/
US
/ˌʌndərˈstændəbl/
understandable Word Etymology
understand + -able = can be understood. Originated from Old English, influenced by Latin understandere and German. Imagine a clear glass that lets light through, symbolizing clarity in understanding.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Understandable describes something that can be grasped easily or is reasonable to conclude from the available information. It highlights clarity, logical structure, and sufficiency of evidence, rather than a person’s mental state. You might praise a 'clear and understandable' explanation, a chart that is easy to follow, or a conclusion that is understandable given the data. Note that understandable does not mean that someone has already understood it—only that it could be understood. The word comes from understand + -able; English usage mirrors historical influences from Latin and Germanic languages. A helpful mental image is a clear glass through which light passes, signaling transparency in reasoning.
Usage Reminders
- Use understandable to describe clarity, not someone's mental state.
- Describe how easy something is to grasp.
- Don't claim that someone has already understood it.
- Pair with nouns like explanation, result, or plan.
- Common collocations include understandable explanation and understandable rationale.
Common Misconceptions
- It means someone has already understood it.
- It implies emotional understanding rather than clarity.
- It is interchangeable with 'understood' in all contexts.
- It describes the speaker's feelings about the topic.
- It only applies to written explanations, not spoken ones.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker that 'understandable' marks clarity and logic, not universal agreement or current comprehension; emphasize context and collocations.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations: understandable explanation, understandable rationale.
- Compare with synonyms: clear, comprehensible, logical.
- Create your own sentences to test where it fits.
- Notice contexts where it refers to explanations or results, not people.
- Listen for natural usage in lectures or tutorials.
- Practice with past tense variants like 'was understandable' vs 'is understandable'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'understandable' mean?
A.Clear
B.Confusing
C.Difficult
D.Complicated
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'understandable' correctly?
A.The puzzle was very complicated to solve.
B.The movie plot was confusing and understandable.
C.The teacher's explanation was clear and understandable.
D.I found the instructions easy to misunderstand.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'understandable'?
A.Incomprehensible
B.Bewildering
C.Ambiguous
D.Lucid
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'understandable'?
A.Comprehensible
B.Obvious
C.Muddled
D.Intelligible
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would 'understandable' be used?
A.Explaining a difficult concept to a child
B.Solving a complex math problem
C.Reading a clear set of instructions
D.Listening to a jumbled speech
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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