different between understanding vs kindness

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

Alternative forms

• kindenesse (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English kindenesse, equivalent to kind +? -ness.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ka?ndn?s/, /?ka?ndn?s/

Noun

kindness (countable and uncountable, plural kindnesses)

1. The state of being kind.
2. An instance of kind or charitable behaviour.

   How can I thank you for your many kindnesses?

   Do me a kindness and leave.

Translations