Understandable

/ˌʌndɚˈstændəbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be understood or comprehended; clear enough to make sense.

Etymology

From 'understand' (Middle English, from 'under-' + 'stand,' meaning to stand before or comprehend) plus the suffix '-able' (capable of). The prefix 'under-' originally meant physically beneath, but evolved to mean grasping mentally.

Kelly Says

The word 'understand' originally meant to 'stand under'—as if you had to position yourself physically beneath something to grasp it! Our brains still use this metaphor: we 'grasp' ideas, 'follow' logic, and 'see' the point.

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