2
general::
understanding
verbs
have an understanding
• The authorities don’t seem to have a clear understanding of the problem.
gain/get/develop an understanding
• Scientists continued to gain a greater understanding of the effects of radiation.
deepen/broaden an understanding
• It is hoped that the research will broaden our understanding of the disease.
increase/improve/enhance sb’s understanding
• The classes really helped to increase our understanding of the subject.
adjectives
a better/greater/deeper understanding
• All of this will lead to a better understanding of the overseas market.
a clear understanding
• Before you begin, it is vital that you have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve.
a complete/thorough/full understanding
• The degree gives students a thorough understanding of issues relating to housing.
a proper/real understanding
• They lacked any real understanding of the subject.
a good understanding
• The sales force has a good understanding of the market.
a basic understanding
• The aim of the examination is to test basic understanding of the written language.
a limited understanding
• We have only a limited understanding of how the brain processes this information.
transnet.ir
3
general::
noun knowledge of a subject, of how sth works, etc. ADJ. complete, full He showed a full understanding of the sequence of events. | growing | clear, deep, good, profound, proper, sophisticated, thorough, true You need to read more widely to gain a proper understanding of the issue. | adequate, basic, broad, general, sufficient | limited She has only a limited understanding of what the job involves. | conceptual, critical, rational, theoretical | historical, musical, scientific, etc. | instinctive | common Some religions have a common understanding of the nature of a divine being. QUANT. level The students seem to have a reasonable level of understanding of how genes work. VERB + UNDERSTANDING have | show | reflect This change of policy reflects a growing understanding of the extent of the problem. | lack | acquire, arrive at, gain | give sb | advance, broaden, deepen, develop, enhance, enrich, improve, increase a book that will deepen your understanding of global warming PREP. ~ about The book aims to give children a balanced understanding of food, farming and the environment. | ~ of PHRASES a lack of understanding intelligence ADJ. human VERB + UNDERSTANDING pass a level of cruelty that passes human understanding PREP. beyond (your) ~ The idea of eternity is beyond our full understanding. ability to feel sympathy and trust ADJ. deeper, great | mutual | international VERB + UNDERSTANDING show He didn't show much understanding towards her when she lost her job. | bring (about), develop, lead to Greater contact between the two groups should lead to a better mutual understanding. | gain in, grow in After spending a month living together, they have gained in understanding of each other. | foster, promote, work for PREP. ~ between The association fosters a deeper understanding between prisons and the public. informal agreement ADJ. written | verbal | tacit, unspoken There is an unspoken understanding that Hugh will be in charge while Jane is away. VERB + UNDERSTANDING have | come to, reach They came to an understanding on when final payment was to be made. PREP. ~ between an understanding between the companies to fight against the proposed tax reform | ~ on a tacit understanding on the need for a pay rise | on the ~ I thought you gave me the book on the understanding that I could keep it.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary