Received vs. Understood — What's the Difference?

Grammatically, both words can function in various capacities. "Received" primarily serves as the past tense and past participle form of the verb "receive." In contrast, "understood" acts as the past tense and past participle of the verb "understand." Both words can also be used as adjectives, albeit less commonly. For example, "received wisdom" or "an understood agreement."

From an emotional perspective, being understood often holds deeper significance than merely being received. People have an innate desire for understanding from peers, family, or society at large. In relationships, it's not uncommon to hear someone say, "I just want to be understood," emphasizing the importance of comprehension and empathy. On the other hand, "received" is more transactional and may not hold the same emotional weight.

Received primarily denotes the action or process of getting or obtaining something. This can refer to tangible items, like a package, or intangible concepts, such as information. Someone can say they received a letter, which only implies they have it in their possession. Understood, on the other hand, pertains to comprehension, implying that a person not only received information but also grasped its meaning. For instance, one can receive instructions but may not have understood them.

In communication, especially in the digital age, the distinction between received and understood becomes even clearer. A text message might be received (indicating it has reached the recipient's device), but it doesn't guarantee that the recipient understood its content. A server may confirm that an email was received by an inbox, yet the recipient may not have opened, read, or understood its content.

Lastly, while both words are crucial in effective communication, they serve distinct roles. Successful communication doesn't just involve transmitting (receiving) information; it requires that the information be processed and comprehended (understood) to achieve its intended purpose.