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REFERENCE

comprehend

v.
US //ˌkɑmpɹiˈhɛnd// UK //kˌɒmpɹɪhˈɛnd// com·pre·hend
  1. 1 to include (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Formal

    to include or contain several different things.

    to include, comprise, or encompass within a larger whole. This sense is now largely restricted to formal or legal contexts.

    Example

    The new law will comprehend all previous rules about building safety.

    Example

    The term 'human rights' as used in this treaty shall comprehend all civil, political, and social liberties previously established by the council.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very rare in modern speech; learners should use 'include' or 'encompass' instead.
Origin

From Middle English comprehenden, from Latin comprehendere (“to grasp”), from the prefix com- + prehendere (“to seize”). Doublet of comprend.

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