What does it mean when you 'understand' or 'comprehend' something?

Question

What does it mean when you 'understand' or 'comprehend' something?

Answer 1

You "think" you know what that something is about (you're probably wrong...).

Answer 2

The simplest test of understanding is being able to apply something to an abstract situation and know what will happen.

For example if you don't understand the process of how numbers are added to one another, and I told you 2+2=4 all you'd know is that 2+2=4; you wouldn't be able to work out what 3+2 is.

"Understanding" is the correct application of rules, procedures and formulas to get a correct output in any given situation.

If you can work out what 256+460 is then you understand what numbers are and how they are added to one another. How long it takes you or how difficult you find it is a measure of your intelligence. Knowing how to do the sum is a measure of your knowledge. Being able to give the correct answer is a measure of your understanding.

Answer 3

8 That your mental comfort zones are satiated.

Answer 4

I dint understand the question. Its beyond my comprehension.

Answer 5

i would explain but i don't think you'd get it.  if you do, then you understand and comprehend.

Answer 6

To be able to relate one thing to another with a specific / intended perspective or indicate / present an acceptable equivalent.  It is the ability to form a seemingly confirmable association.

Answer 7

Those two words are often given subtle but different definitions. To understand sometimes means to see the surface explanation well enough to be able to use it to its full advantage in your situation. To comprehend means to understand something deeper than just its surface explanation; to know what are called "defeators," arguments that oppose your understanding, and that you can return the argument and defeat the "defeator" argument.

Without knowledge of the defeator argument and the means by which to rebut it, you have only an understanding.