understanding

When used as a noun to mean comprehension, it is often uncountable (e.g., "a deep understanding"). However, when referring to an agreement, it can be countable (e.g., "they reached an understanding"). As an adjective, it describes a person's personality or reaction toward others. It is almost always used in a positive sense to show kindness and empathy. Be careful not to confuse the noun "understanding" (the state of knowing) with the verb phrase "to understand." The noun form often focuses on the result or the quality of knowledge.