I see

[0030] Understood

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A formal and clear way of confirming that you have heard and comprehended instructions, information, or a statement.
  • Often used in professional, military, or technical contexts, but also applicable in general conversation when clarity is important.

Origin

  • Past participle of the verb understand, used elliptically for It is understood or I have understood.
  • Its use likely gained prominence in contexts requiring clear, unambiguous confirmation of messages, such as military or maritime communication.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Got it. / Gotcha. (Informal)
  • I see. (Less formal, less strong confirmation of comprehension)
  • Okay. / Alright. (General acknowledgment)
  • Acknowledged. (Formal, often technical/military)
  • Roger. / Roger that. (Radio communication slang for received and understood)
  • Copy. / Copy that. (Similar radio slang)
  • Message received.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Gotcha.
  • Got it.
  • Copy that. / Roger. (Even outside radio context, informally)
  • Word.

Milder/Standard:

  • Okay.
  • I understand.
  • I see.
  • Alright.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in formal and professional settings, technical communication, or any situation where clear confirmation of understanding is required.
  • Can sound a bit stiff or overly formal in very casual conversation among close friends, where Got it or Okay might be more common.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Very low risk. It clearly signals comprehension.
  • The only potential 'issue' might be using it in a very casual setting where it could sound unnecessarily formal, but it's unlikely to cause actual misunderstanding. It strongly implies *comprehension*, perhaps more so than the more passive I see.

Examples

  • (Receiving instructions from a boss) I need this done by 5 PM. Understood.
  • (In response to a clarification) So, the deadline is Friday, not Thursday. Understood.
  • (Radio communication) Proceed to checkpoint Alpha. Understood.

Dialogue

Air Traffic Control: Flight 723, descend and maintain five thousand feet.

Pilot: Descend and maintain five thousand feet, Flight 723. Understood.

Air Traffic Control: Roger.

Social Media Examples

  • Replying to work instructions via email/chat: Please update the spreadsheet with the latest figures. -> Understood. Will complete by noon.
  • In online gaming coordinating strategy: Player A: Cover the left flank. Player B: Understood.

Response Patterns

  • The person giving the information or instruction accepts this as confirmation and usually proceeds. (Good, Okay, or moves to the next instruction).

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • The person who said Understood is expected to act according to the information received.
  • They might follow up with a confirmation of the details (Understood. Report by 5 PM.) or ask a practical question related to execution (Understood. Will I need access to the shared drive?).

Conversation Starter

  • No. It is exclusively a response confirming comprehension.

Intonation

  • Typically spoken with a clear, concise, and often falling intonation. UnderSTOOD.
  • The tone is usually neutral and professional, emphasizing comprehension rather than emotion.

Generation Differences

  • Used across generations, particularly in professional contexts. Older generations or those with military/technical backgrounds might use it more frequently.

Regional Variations

  • Standard in all major English-speaking regions, especially in formal and professional communication.
I see
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