'understand' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'understandan,' where 'under-' meant 'among' and 'standan' meant 'to stand.'

'understandan' transformed into the Middle English word 'understanden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'understand.'

Initially, it meant 'to stand among or in the midst of,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to comprehend or grasp.'