Understandably
ˌʌndərˈstændəbli
Definitions
In a manner or to an extent that is easy to understand; comprehensibly.
ˌʌndərˈstændəbli
In a way that can be understood or is easy to understand.
Understandably, she was upset after the news.
💡 Simply: It's like when someone does something, and you can totally see why they did it. For example, if a dog barks when a stranger comes to the door, that's understandably because the dog is protecting its home!
👶 For kids: When something happens and you know why it happened, like, 'The baby is crying, and understandably, she is hungry.'
More Examples
Understandably, the audience was confused by the abstract artwork.
The team was, understandably, disappointed after the loss.
How It's Used
"Understandably, the company was hesitant to release its financial data."
"Understandably, the court prioritized the safety of the children involved."
From Middle English *understanden*, from Old English *understandan* (“to comprehend, perceive”), from *under-* (“under, beneath”) + *standan* (“to stand”). The suffix '-ably' indicates 'in a way that can be understood'.
The use of 'understandably' has remained consistent across time, reflecting a need to express logical cause and effect in actions or reactions.
Memory tip
Think of 'understandably' as acting in a way that makes sense, given the circumstances.