understanding of vs understanding for

Both "understanding of" and "understanding for" are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Understanding of" is used to indicate knowledge or comprehension about a subject or situation, while "understanding for" is used to express sympathy or empathy towards someone.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 4234 views

understanding of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate knowledge or comprehension about a subject or situation.

Use "understanding of" when you want to talk about someone's knowledge or comprehension of a particular topic or situation.

Examples:

She has a deep understanding of the cultural differences between the two countries.
His understanding of the scientific principles is impressive.
I have a good understanding of the company's policies and procedures.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 16, 2024

20 hours ago ... This technology helps us advance our understanding of the universe – from our planet to the farthest reaches of the cosmos. Supercomputers ...
Apr 4, 2020 ... We would say information about mental illness and understanding of it, but a sentence where the two phrases are combined with just one ...
Jan 20, 2011 ... Several critical questions must be addressed to improve our understanding of the fate of C sequestered in vegetated coastal ecosystems, ...
Some understanding of grammar is fundamental to learning a language. You need to demonstrate to the examiners that you have more than a literal understanding of ...
Nov 5, 2024 ... ... understanding of the world. Despite its impressive output, generative AI doesn't have a coherent understanding of the world. Researchers show ...
Our understanding of the link between the human microbiome and disease, including obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and autism, is rapidly ...
Nociplastic pain: towards an understanding of prevalent pain conditions. Lancet. 2021 May 29;397(10289):2098-2110. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00392-5.
May 23, 2024 ... Alberto Binetti & Francesco Nuzzi & Stefanie Stantcheva, 2024. "People's understanding of inflation," Journal of Monetary Economics, . Related ...
Acute appendicitis: modern understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Lancet. 2015 Sep 26;386(10000):1278-1287. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15) ...
Aug 19, 2019 ... The Science and Value of Diversity: Closing the Gaps in Our Understanding of Inclusion and Diversity. Talia H Swartz ,. Talia H Swartz.

Alternatives:

knowledge of
comprehension of
awareness of
familiarity with
grasp of

understanding for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express sympathy or empathy towards someone.

Use "understanding for" when you want to show sympathy or empathy towards a person or their situation.

Examples:

I have a lot of understanding for what she's going through.
He showed great understanding for the difficulties they were facing.
There was a lack of understanding for the challenges they had to overcome.

Show examples from the web [+]

I also expressed my sympathy and understanding for the step that he has just taken.
I also have a degree of understanding for the very emotional responses which such matters sometimes elicit.
Recently, a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of energy has also been signed between the EU and Turkmenistan.
In the area of direct expenditure, on the new model memorandum of understanding for participation by the candidate countries in Community programmes will include clauses ensuring more effective protection of financial interests.
We believe that the mobility measures contained in the Socrates programme foster social skills, language skills and understanding for other cultures.
Stimulating mutual understanding for, on the one hand, justified security concerns and, on the other hand, possible trade difficulties will, I hope, lead to practical solutions that achieve the right balance between those different interests.
I had expected some understanding for my line of argument.
His blessing will bring love and understanding for all.
He experiences a feeling of an understanding for Vincent, and he struggles to put it into words.
National minorities which become a majority often appear to have no understanding for the other language groups within the territory of their state.
We have every understanding for the underlying idea here, but, given the characteristics of carcinogens, we should not fix unrealistic limits.
I understand what Mr Caccavale is saying, but we must still have some understanding for the work the Commissioner does.
I would ask my colleagues to have some understanding for the way I am going to vote.
These days, refugees mostly hail from further afield, look different to western Europeans, and there is far less understanding for the situation from which they are fleeing.
He has been at the forefront of bringing a greater respect and understanding for Islam within the European Union.
Respect and understanding for these forces of nature is the key to controlling them, Patricia.
I have a great deal of understanding for what Mr Kallas has said.
That is why I would ask Parliament to show understanding for the fact that the Commission itself is not going to move away from this political agreement either.
We would ask for your understanding for this mark of solidarity with all the victims and with public opinion, which has come out against this war.
We show understanding for people's desire for freedom, for a trait that no doubt lives in the heart of every person and every nation.

Alternatives:

empathy for
sympathy for
compassion for
support for
consideration for

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understanding of vs understanding for