Grasping
ˈɡrɑːspɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo take hold of something firmly, especially with the hand.
ˈɡrɑːspɪŋ
To seize or hold firmly.
She was grasping the rope, trying not to fall.
💡 Simply: Think of when you hold something really tight, like when you're holding a toy you love or grabbing a pole on a bus. You're grasping it!
👶 For kids: To hold something tightly with your hand.
More Examples
The baby is grasping at the mobile.
The dog was grasping a stick in its mouth.
How It's Used
"He was grasping the railing for support."
"The child grasped her mother's hand tightly."
To understand something, especially something difficult or complex.
ˈɡrɑːspɪŋ
To understand or comprehend something.
After a few explanations, I started grasping the instructions.
💡 Simply: When you finally 'get' a tough idea, like how to play a new video game or how a complicated math problem works, you are grasping it. It's like you're taking hold of the knowledge.
👶 For kids: To understand something.
More Examples
He is slowly grasping the importance of the project.
She grasped the significance of the historical event.
How It's Used
"The student is grasping the concept of algebra."
"We are grasping the implications of the new policy."
Eager to get or possess something, typically money or power; greedy.
ˈɡrɑːspɪŋ
Showing eagerness to get or possess something.
The grasping politician was only interested in personal gain.
💡 Simply: When someone always wants more and is very greedy or selfish, you could say they are grasping. They are always trying to get more stuff or more power.
👶 For kids: Wanting more and being greedy.
More Examples
She was a grasping woman, always trying to get ahead.
His grasping ambition led him to unethical actions.
How It's Used
"The grasping businessman coveted wealth above all else."
"Her grasping nature alienated her friends."
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."
a good grasp of something
A good understanding of something.
"She has a good grasp of the subject matter."
From Middle English graspen, from Old English græppian ('to seize, grasp'), from Proto-Germanic *greipaną ('to grip').
Used since Old English, the verb initially implied physical seizing, expanding to mental understanding by the Middle Ages. The adjective use, describing a greedy nature, developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong hand gripping something tightly.