ADJ

complete, full
He showed a full understanding of the sequence of events
growing
clear, deep, good, profound, proper, sophisticated, thorough, true
You need to read more widely to gain a proper understanding of the issue
adequate, basic, broad, general, sufficient
limited
She has only a limited understanding of what the job involves
conceptual, critical, rational, theoretical
historical, musical, scientific, etc.
instinctive
common
Some religions have a common understanding of the nature of a divine being

QUANT

level
The students seem to have a reasonable level of understanding of how genes work

VERB + UNDERSTANDING

have
show
reflect
This change of policy reflects a growing understanding of the extent of the problem
lack
acquire, arrive at, gain
give sb
advance, broaden, deepen, develop, enhance, enrich, improve, increase
a book that will deepen your understanding of global warming

PREP

~ about
The book aims to give children a balanced understanding of food, farming and the environment
~ of

PHRASES

a lack of understanding

ADJ

human

VERB + UNDERSTANDING

pass
a level of cruelty that passes human understanding

PREP

beyond (your) ~
The idea of eternity is beyond our full understanding

ADJ

deeper, great
mutual
international

VERB + UNDERSTANDING

show
He didn't show much understanding towards her when she lost her job
bring (about), develop, lead to
Greater contact between the two groups should lead to a better mutual understanding
gain in, grow in
After spending a month living together, they have gained in understanding of each other
foster, promote, work for

PREP

~ between
The association fosters a deeper understanding between prisons and the public

ADJ

written
verbal
tacit, unspoken
There is an unspoken understanding that Hugh will be in charge while Jane is away

VERB + UNDERSTANDING

have
come to, reach
They came to an understanding on when final payment was to be made

PREP

~ between
an understanding between the companies to fight against the proposed tax reform
~ on
a tacit understanding on the need for a pay rise
on the ~
I thought you gave me the book on the understanding that I could keep it