How to pronounce understanding
Say it like uhn-der-STAN-ding. Understanding has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce understanding. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- der
- STAN
- ding
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Understanding pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- STANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- dingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of understanding
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uhn-duh-STAN-ding.
What does understanding mean?
- the cognitive condition of someone who understands“he has virtually no understanding of social cause and effect”
- 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”
- 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”
- characterized by understanding based on comprehension and discernment and empathy“an understanding friend”
Where does understanding come from?
From Middle English understandinge, understondinge, from Old English understanding (“intelligence, understanding”), from Proto-West Germanic *undarstandingu, from Proto-Germanic *understandingō, equivalent to understand + -ing (gerund ending).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with understanding
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of understanding.
Questions about saying understanding
How do you pronounce understanding?
Say uhn-der-STAN-ding. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌndɚˈstændɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in understanding?
Understanding has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAN). Broken into parts: uhn · der · STAN · ding.
Is understanding pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ (uhn-duh-STAN-ding).