The difference between Know and Understand

When used as verbs, know means to perceive the truth or factuality of, whereas understand means to be aware of the meaning of.


Know is also noun with the meaning: knowledge.

check bellow for the other definitions of Know and Understand

  1. Know as a verb (transitive):

    To perceive the truth or factuality of; to be certain of or that.

    Examples:

    "I know that I’m right and you’re wrong."

    "He knew something terrible was going to happen."

  2. Know as a verb (transitive):

    To be aware of; to be cognizant of.

    Examples:

    "Did you know Michelle and Jack were getting divorced? ― Yes, I knew."

    "She knows where I live."

    "I knew he was upset, but I didn't understand why."

  3. Know as a verb (transitive):

    To be acquainted or familiar with; to have encountered.

    Examples:

    "I know your mother, but I’ve never met your father."

  4. Know as a verb (transitive):

    To experience.

    Examples:

    "Their relationship knew ups and downs."

  5. Know as a verb (transitive):

    To distinguish, to discern, particularly by contrast or comparison; to recognize the nature of.

    Examples:

    "to know a person's face or figure"

    "to know right from wrong"

    "I wouldn't know one from the other."

  6. Know as a verb (transitive):

    To recognize as the same (as someone or something previously encountered) after an absence or change.

  7. Know as a verb:

    To understand or have a grasp of through experience or study.

    Examples:

    "Let me do it. I know how it works."

    "She knows how to swim."

    "His mother tongue is Italian, but he also knows French and English."

    "She knows chemistry better than anybody else."

    "'Know your enemy and know yourself."

  8. Know as a verb (transitive, archaic, Biblical):

    To have sexual relations with.

  9. Know as a verb (intransitive):

    To have knowledge; to have information, be informed.

    Examples:

    "It is vital that he not know."

    "She knew of our plan."

    "He knows about 19th century politics."

  10. Know as a verb (intransitive):

    To be or become aware or cognizant.

    Examples:

    "Did you know Michelle and Jack were getting divorced? ― Yes, I knew."

  11. Know as a verb (intransitive, obsolete):

    To be acquainted (with another person).

  12. Know as a verb (transitive):

    To be able to play or perform (a song or other piece of music).

    Examples:

    "Do you know "Blueberry Hill"?"

  1. Know as a noun (rare):

    Knowledge; the state of knowing.

  1. Understand as a verb (transitive):

    To be aware of the meaning of.

    Examples:

    "I understand German."

    "I received your note, but I did not understand it."

  2. Understand as a verb:

    To believe, based on information.

    Examples:

    "I understand that you have information for me."

  3. Understand as a verb:

    To impute meaning, character etc. that is not explicitly stated.

    Examples:

    "But we cannot disappoint Grandma and Grandpa Smith, and that is what family is all about! Do you understand?!"

    "In this sense, the word is usually used in the past participle:"

  4. Understand as a verb (obsolete, rare, humorous):

    To stand under; to support.

    Examples:

    "rfquotek Shakespeare"

  5. Understand as a verb (circus, acrobatics):

    One who supports others in such performances as the human pyramid.