An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

To perceive the meaning of.

M.E. understanden, understonden, O.E. understandan "comprehend, grasp the idea of," probably literally "to stand in the midst of," from → under- + standan "to stand," cognate with Pers. istâdan, → standard.

Fahmidan, from Ar. fahm + infinitive suffix -idan.

The ability to understand something; the → power of → abstract  → thought.

→ understand; → -ing.