# comprehend

/ˌkɑmpɹiˈhɛnd/ (US) · /kˌɒmpɹɪhˈɛnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/comprehend
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. to include

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

to include or contain several different things.

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

- The new law will comprehend all previous rules about building safety.
- The term 'human rights' as used in this treaty shall comprehend all civil, political, and social liberties previously established by the council.

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

## Examples

- I cannot comprehend why he made that choice.
- The instructions were so technical that the average user could not comprehend the setup process.
- While the mathematician could solve the equations, he struggled to comprehend the physical implications of his findings in the real world.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.