Grasp
/ɡrɑːsp/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo take hold of (something) firmly; seize.
/ɡrɑːsp/
To seize or hold something firmly.
He grasped the rope to pull himself up.
💡 Simply: Think of a time you really wanted something, like holding a toy so tightly that no one could take it away. That's grasping!
👶 For kids: To hold something tight with your hands.
More Examples
She grasped the opportunity to speak.
The climber grasped the rock face with both hands.
How It's Used
"She grasped the child's hand tightly to prevent him from running away."
"The outfielder grasped the ball just before it hit the ground."
To understand (something) especially after a period of learning or thinking.
/ɡrɑːsp/
To understand something.
It took me a while to grasp the rules of the game.
💡 Simply: Sometimes when you listen to a teacher, you might not get it right away. But when it clicks and you understand, you've grasped the idea!
👶 For kids: To understand something.
More Examples
He couldn't grasp the irony in the situation.
I think I finally grasp what you're saying.
How It's Used
"The student struggled to grasp the complex mathematical concept."
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite grasp what you meant."
A firm hold or grip.
/ɡrɑːsp/
She maintained a firm grasp on the handle.
💡 Simply: When you hold a pen, the way you're holding it is your grasp. It's how tightly you're gripping it.
👶 For kids: The way you hold something.
More Examples
The climber lost his grasp and fell.
She has a strong grasp of the language.
How It's Used
"He kept a tight grasp on the railing during the earthquake."
"He has a good grasp of business strategy."
The power or capacity to understand or comprehend something; mental grasp.
/ɡrɑːsp/
Understanding or comprehension.
He had a limited grasp of the complex topic.
💡 Simply: When you finally 'get' something you've been struggling with - that's your grasp of it. It's like your brain has grabbed onto the idea!
👶 For kids: When you understand something.
More Examples
The teacher assessed their grasp of the material.
Her grasp of the situation was impressive.
How It's Used
"The students' grasp of the subject improved with more practice."
"The company has a firm grasp of the market situation."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
grasp at straws
To try to find a solution or success in a desperate situation, even if it's unlikely to work.
"With the company facing bankruptcy, they were grasping at straws, trying any possible solution."
beyond my grasp
Something that is too difficult to understand.
"The advanced physics concepts were beyond my grasp."
lose one's grasp (on something)
To gradually lose control of or understanding of something.
"The company began to lose its grasp on the market share as new competitors entered."
From Middle English *graspen*, from Old English *græppan* ('to seize, clutch'), from Proto-Germanic *grappōną* ('to grip'). Related to the word 'grip'.
The word 'grasp' has been used in English since the Old English period, initially referring to physical seizing.
Memory tip
Imagine your hand is a GRASPING tool, firmly holding onto something.