Word
comprehensive
Phoneticscom·pre·hen·sive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑmpɹiˈhɛnsɪv/
UK/kˌɒmpɹɪhˈɛnsɪv/
Definitions
01complete and thorough
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. including all or nearly all the facts, details, or items that are needed.
adj. covering a broad range of elements or including all necessary details; exhaustive in scope.
日本語:総合的※
“The city guide provides a comprehensive list of all the best restaurants.”
“The researchers conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature before proposing their new hypothesis to the faculty.”
Usage
Often used to describe lists, studies, insurance, or reviews.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a type of school
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English
n. a secondary school in the UK for children of all abilities.
n. a secondary school in the United Kingdom that does not select its intake on the basis of academic achievement or financial means.
“Most children in this town go to the local comprehensive.”
“After the educational reforms of the 1960s, many traditional grammar schools were converted into large comprehensives to promote social equality.”
Teaching tip
This noun sense is specific to the British education system; American speakers would typically say 'public high school'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “comprehensive” in context.
Verb
01. offer a comprehensive range
“The clinic offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services to the community.”
verb + adj + noun
02. provide comprehensive information
“The website aims to provide comprehensive information for international students.”
verb + adj + noun
03. receive a comprehensive education
“Students at this school receive a comprehensive education in both arts and sciences.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
04. comprehensive insurance
“It is highly recommended to take out comprehensive insurance before your trip.”
adj + noun
05. comprehensive list
“The guide provides a comprehensive list of all the local attractions.”
adj + noun
06. comprehensive study
“The university conducted a comprehensive study on the effects of climate change.”
adj + noun
07. truly comprehensive
“The new employee handbook is truly comprehensive and covers every policy.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. comprehensive school
“She attended a local comprehensive school before going to university.”
noun + noun
09. comprehensive analysis
Confusables
comprehensive vs comprehensible
Comprehensive covers everything in a set; comprehensible is simply easy to understand.
RememberComprehensive = Complete. Comprehensible = Clear.
comprehensive vs understandable
Comprehensive means including everything; understandable means easy to follow or grasp.
RememberComprehensive = Complete. Understandable = Clear.
Real-World Examples
“In the US, there is no comprehensive law protecting or governing the collection, use or sale of people's personal data.” “So far, there is no declared and comprehensive American vision of what is expected of Damascus.” Etymology
Borrowed from late Middle French compréhensif, from Late Latin comprehēnsīvus, from Latin comprehendō.
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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/comprehensive
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0