Understandable
/ˌʌndərˈstændəbəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsCapable of being understood; comprehensible.
/ˌʌndərˈstændəbəl/
Capable of being understood.
The rules of the game were very understandable.
💡 Simply: It's like when you finally get something! If you can follow along or know what's happening, it's understandable. Like, if your friend explains how to play a new game and you totally get it, that's understandable!
👶 For kids: When you can figure something out, like a story or a game!
More Examples
Her explanation was clear and understandable.
The graph was easy to read and understandable.
How It's Used
"The instructions were written in clear and understandable language."
"The teacher made the complex topic understandable for the students."
Capable of being excused or accepted.
/ˌʌndərˈstændəbəl/
Capable of being excused or accepted; justifiable.
His frustration was understandable after the delay.
💡 Simply: Sometimes people do things that seem strange, but if you know what they're going through, their actions might be understandable. For example, if someone is sad because they lost their favorite toy, it's understandable.
👶 For kids: When you can see why someone did something, even if you don't like it.
More Examples
Her reluctance was understandable.
The concern of the parents was understandable.
How It's Used
"Her anger was understandable given the circumstances."
"The judge found his actions understandable, though not condonable."
Synonyms
From Middle English *understandable*, from the verb *understand* + -able.
The word's usage dates back to the 16th century, initially appearing in translations of religious texts.
Memory tip
Think of a puzzle; if all the pieces fit, the picture is understandable.