Based on the taxonomy of educational objectives, the ability to understand the meaning of material is known as

The ability to understand the meaning of material is comprehension in Bloom's taxonomy.

Knowledge is only recalling facts, a step below understanding.

Responding belongs to the affective domain, not comprehension.

Application uses learnt material in new situations, a step above comprehension.

Comprehension shows in explaining, summarising or translating ideas.

It is the second level of the cognitive domain, above knowledge.