Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - understanding

~1 n 1 C usually singular a private, unofficial agreement  (come to/reach an understanding)  (I thought we had come to an understanding on this matter. | on the understanding that (=on the condition that))  (I lent him the money on the strict understanding that he paid it back next month.) 2 knowlege about something, based on learning or experience  (have an understanding of)  (The present Industry Secretary has only a limited understanding of economics.) 3 sympathy towards someone's character and behaviour  (Mutual understanding is important in all relationships.) 4 the way in which you judge the meaning of something + of  (According to my understanding of the letter, it means something quite different.) 5 the ability to know and learn; intelligence (1)  (beyond a child's understanding) ~2 adj sympathetic and kind about other people's problems  (Luckily, I have a very understanding boss.)