Collocations for understanding - noun
1. knowledge of a subject, of how sth works, etc.
ADJ.
complete, full
He showed a full understanding of the sequence of events.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
The book aims to give children a balanced understanding of food, farming and the environment.
~ of
PHRASES
a lack of understanding
2. intelligence
ADJ.
human
VERB + UNDERSTANDING
pass
a level of cruelty that passes human understanding
a level of cruelty that passes human understanding
PREP.
beyond (your) ~
The idea of eternity is beyond our full understanding.
The idea of eternity is beyond our full understanding.
3. 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.
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.
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.
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.
The association fosters a deeper understanding between prisons and the public.
4. informal agreement
ADJ.
written | verbal | tacit, unspoken
There is an unspoken understanding that Hugh will be in charge while Jane is away.
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.
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
an understanding between the companies to fight against the proposed tax reform
~ on
a tacit understanding on the need for a pay rise
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.
I thought you gave me the book on the understanding that I could keep it.