What does "catch on" mean?

To understand; to begin to understand; to realize.

What is a synonym for "catch on"?

Common synonyms include: absorb, appreciate, apprehend, ascertain, assimilate, be blooded.

verb

verb ·Moderate ·College level

Verb

1
To understand; to begin to understand; to realize. idiomatic, intransitive
"He didn't have to explain; I caught on right away."
2
become popular wordnet
3
To become popular; to become commonplace; to become the standard. idiomatic, intransitive
"It's a crummy idea, and I certainly hope it does not catch on."
4
understand, usually after some initial difficulty wordnet
5
To become stuck to the cooking vessel; to brown or burn slightly. New-England, dated, intransitive
"They waited for the pot roast to "catch on," sticking to the pot just enough to brown"

"He didn't have to explain; I caught on right away."