different between understanding vs familiarity

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?nd??stand??/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /??nd??stænd??/
• Rhymes: -ænd??
• Hyphenation: un?der?stand?ing

Noun

understanding (countable and uncountable, plural understandings) (with of, but with for in sense of "sympathy")

1. (gerund, uncountable) The act of one that understands or comprehends; comprehension; knowledge; discernment.
2. (countable) Reason or intelligence, ability to grasp the full meaning of knowledge, ability to infer.
3. (countable) Opinion, judgement or outlook.

4. (countable) An agreement of minds; harmony; something mutually understood or agreed upon.
   1. An informal contract; mutual agreement.

   2. A reconciliation of differences.

5. (uncountable) Sympathy.

Derived terms

• peace that passeth understanding

Translations

See also

• intellection

Adjective

understanding (comparative more understanding, superlative most understanding)

1. Showing compassion.
2. (dated) Knowing; skilful.

Translations

Verb

understanding

1. present participle of understand

English

Etymology

From Middle French familiarité, from Latin famili?rit?tem. Displaced native Old English h?wc?þnes.

Morphologically familiar +? -ity

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /f?m?l??æ??ti/
• Rhymes: -æ??ti

Noun

familiarity (countable and uncountable, plural familiarities)

1. The state of being extremely friendly; intimacy.
   • 1677, Hannah Woolley, The Compleat Servant-Maid, London: T. Passinger, p. 2,^[1]

     Do not keep familiarity with any but those, with whom you may improve your time.

2. Undue intimacy; inappropriate informality, impertinence.
3. An instance of familiar behaviour.
4. Close or habitual acquaintance with someone or something; understanding or recognition acquired from experience.

Derived terms

• familiarity breeds contempt

Translations