1. the process of gaining insight about oneself or others or of comprehending the meaning or significance of something, such as a word, concept, argument, or event. See also apprehension; comprehension.

2. in counseling and psychotherapy, the process of discerning the connections between a client’s behavior and his or her environment, history, aptitudes, motivation, ideas, feelings, relationships, and modes of expression.

3. in some philosophical writings, the faculty of organizing and interpreting the information acquired from the senses, as opposed to the nous or higher reason. See also dianoia. —understand vb.