Comprehend
/ˌkɒmprɪˈhend/
Definitions
To understand; to grasp the meaning or nature of something.
/ˌkɒmprɪˈhend/
To grasp the meaning of something.
I could not comprehend the instructions.
💡 Simply: When you comprehend something, it's like you have a 'lightbulb moment'! You finally get what it's all about. Think about learning a new game. When you comprehend the rules, you can play well!
👶 For kids: To understand something. Like when you finally understand how to play a game!
More Examples
She struggled to comprehend the complex scientific theory.
Can you comprehend the implications of this decision?
How It's Used
"Students need to comprehend the material before the test."
"It took me a while to comprehend the complex plot of the novel."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
beyond comprehension
Too difficult or complex to understand; incomprehensible.
"The loss of his son was a pain beyond comprehension."
From Latin *comprehendere* ('to seize, grasp, understand'), from *com-* ('together') + *prehendere* ('to grasp').
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially related to grasping with the hands and then evolving to understanding.
Memory tip
Imagine you're 'comprehending' a picture – you're grabbing its meaning with your mind.
Word Origin
"to grasp, seize"