Understood

[0031] Makes sense

🎲 Fair enough
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Indicates understanding and agreement with the logic or reasoning presented by someone else.
  • Signals that the listener finds the explanation or statement logical and coherent.

Origin

  • A straightforward phrase derived from the basic meaning of sense as logic, reason, or intelligibility.
  • If something makes sense, it aligns with reason and is easy to understand.
  • Its common usage is rooted in the pragmatic need to confirm comprehension and agreement in conversation.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • That checks out.
  • I see. / I get it.
  • Understood.
  • That's logical. / That's reasonable.
  • Fair enough. (Often implies acceptance more than just understanding)
  • Gotcha. (Informal)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Gotcha.
  • Word. (AAVE influence, means 'I agree' or 'I understand')
  • I feel you. / I feel that. (Expresses empathetic understanding)
  • That tracks. (Means it's logical/consistent)
  • Right on.

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • No shit. (Can be sarcastic, but also genuine acknowledgement of obvious logic)
  • Fuckin' A, it does. (Strong agreement with the logic)

Milder/Standard:

  • I understand.
  • That's reasonable.
  • I see your point.
  • Okay.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Generally acceptable in most situations, from informal chats to semi-formal work discussions.
  • Very common and neutral.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers might overuse it slightly, sometimes saying it even if they haven't fully grasped the concept, just to keep the conversation moving.
  • Ensure you genuinely understand before using it to confirm.

Examples

  • Ah, closing the window because it's cold? Makes sense.
  • He was late because of the train strike? Okay, makes sense.
  • Investing more in marketing to get more customers? Makes sense.

Dialogue

Social Media Examples

  • Reply to a thread explaining a complex topic: Wow, never thought of it that way. Makes sense now! Thanks!
  • Comment on a news article explanation: The reasoning behind the policy change makes sense, even if I don't fully agree.
  • Tweet: Why is my cat obsessed with cardboard boxes? Read an article about feline instincts... makes sense. #cats

Response Patterns

  • Often used as a concluding remark to acknowledge information.
  • The person who provided the explanation might nod in return or say Good or Right.
  • It doesn't usually require a verbal response.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing Makes sense:

  • The speaker might proceed to the next logical point: Okay, makes sense. So, what should we do next?
  • Or simply move on, feeling the point has been understood: Makes sense. (Changes topic)
  • If agreeing with a plan: Makes sense. Let's do that.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • Almost always a response to an explanation or statement.

Intonation

  • Typically delivered with a neutral or slightly falling intonation, indicating understanding and closure on the point.
  • Stress usually falls on MAKES. MAKES sense.
  • A slight nod often accompanies it.

Generation Differences

  • Universal.
  • Used across all age groups.

Regional Variations

  • Universal in English-speaking regions.
Understood
🎲 Fair enough