Know means to be aware of a fact or have information. Understand means to grasp the meaning or make sense of something. You can know something without fully understanding it, but understanding implies a deeper level of comprehension.
How to use “know”
- Use know to talk about being aware of facts, information, or people.
- It can refer to general knowledge, familiarity, or even skills.
- Know is often followed by nouns, pronouns, or clauses (e.g., know the answer, know her, know that…).
How to use “understand”
- Use understand to express comprehension or grasping the meaning of something.
- It often involves processing information, interpreting, or making sense of it.
- Understand is commonly followed by nouns, pronouns, or clauses (e.g., understand the problem, understand why…).
Key differences between know and understand
- Level of comprehension: “Know” is about awareness; “understand” is about comprehension.
- Type of knowledge: “Know” can be surface-level or factual; “understand” implies deeper insight.
- Usage: Use “know” for facts and familiarity; use “understand” for meaning and explanation.
If you are talking about being familiar with someone, which word is correct?
know
'Know' is used for familiarity with people. 'Understand' is not typically used to describe personal familiarity.
Which word implies a deeper level of insight or comprehension?
understand
'Understand' implies that you have grasped the meaning or can explain the subject, indicating a deeper level of insight than 'know.'
Examples in context
- I know the meeting is at 3 PM. (aware of a fact)
- I understand why the meeting was rescheduled. (comprehend the reason)
- She knows how to drive. (has the skill)
- She doesn’t understand how the car works. (can’t grasp the mechanism)
Summary
In short, use know when referring to awareness or possession of information, and use understand when referring to comprehension or making sense of something.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
