ENGLISH
REFERENCE

comprehensive

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌkɑmpɹiˈhɛnsɪv// UK //kˌɒmpɹɪhˈɛnsɪv// com·pre·hen·sive Academic General-service

n. including everything that is necessary or important. You use this to describe a report, a list, or a study that is very thorough and complete.

n. covering or including everything; exhaustive in scope or content. Often used to describe academic or professional documentation that leaves no detail unexamined.


SIMPLE

The guide provides a comprehensive list of local hotels.

CONTEXTUAL

The insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage for both accidental damage and theft.

COMPLEX

The committee published a comprehensive review of the environmental impact, addressing every concern raised by the local community during the public hearings.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from late Middle French compréhensif, from Late Latin comprehēnsīvus, from Latin comprehendō.

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies. In British English, it also refers to a type of secondary school that accepts children of all abilities.

Pitfall

a comprehended reporta comprehensive reportLearners sometimes confuse the adjective 'comprehensive' (complete) with the past participle of 'comprehend' (understood).

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