Word
comprehend
Phoneticscom·pre·hend, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑmpɹiˈhɛnd/
UK/kˌɒmpɹɪhˈɛnd/
Definitions
01to understand
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to understand something fully, especially when it is complex or hard to believe.
v. to grasp the nature, significance, or meaning of something through cognitive effort.
“The problem was so complex that I could not comprehend how it started.”
“The witness struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the disaster, staring blankly at the wreckage as rescuers arrived.”
Usage
Often used in negative constructions like 'cannot comprehend' or 'fail to comprehend'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to include
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Archaic
v. to include or contain several different things.
v. to include, comprise, or encompass within a larger scope or category.
Español:comprender
“The new law will comprehend all previous rules about city safety.”
“The term 'humanities' is often used to comprehend a wide range of disciplines, from philosophy to the fine arts.”
Usage
In modern English, 'comprise' or 'include' is almost always preferred over this sense.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“It’s impossible to comprehend how Flowers thought this song was a good idea.” “At the start of the film Cody is broken down, near mute and blinking heavily as if he’s still trying to comprehend how he ended up here.” Etymology
From Middle English comprehenden, from Latin comprehendere (“to grasp”), from the prefix com- + prehendere (“to seize”). Doublet of comprend.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/comprehend
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0