Word
grapple
Phoneticsgrap·ple, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹæpəɫ/
UK/ɡɹˈæpəl/
Definition
v. to struggle hard with something difficult. You can use this when you are physically fighting someone or when you are trying to solve a very tough problem.
v. to engage in a close struggle or fight without weapons; figuratively, to struggle with a difficult problem or decision. Often used with the preposition 'with'.
Examples
“The two wrestlers grapple on the mat.”
“The government continues to grapple with the rising cost of living and high inflation rates.”
“Philosophers have had to grapple with the nature of consciousness for centuries, yet a definitive scientific explanation remains elusive despite modern neurological advances.”
Examples
simple
“The two wrestlers grapple on the mat.”
contextual
“The government continues to grapple with the rising cost of living and high inflation rates.”
complex
“Philosophers have had to grapple with the nature of consciousness for centuries, yet a definitive scientific explanation remains elusive despite modern neurological advances.”
Usage
Intransitive verb that typically requires the preposition 'with' when followed by an object.
Pitfall
He grappled the difficult math problem.
He grappled with the difficult math problem.
In its figurative sense of dealing with a problem, the verb requires the preposition 'with'.
Real-World Examples
“The flood, which struck during a public holiday, comes as Spain has grappled for weeks with extreme weather of the opposite kind: heatwaves and wildfires.” “Richardson says his research is a useful starting point for trying to grapple with how and where paper mills operate, and who they target.” “Poetry was the form that could grapple most effectively with the collapse in meaning brought about by the shock of violence, the feeling that time had ceased to carry significance, the future ripped away.” Etymology
From Middle English grapplen (“to seize, lay hold of”), from Old English græpplian (“to seize”) (compare Old English ġegræppian (“to seize”)), from Proto-Germanic graipilōną, grabbalōną (“to seize”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰrebʰ- (“to take, seize, rake”), equivalent to grab + -le. Cognate with Dutch grabbelen (“to grope, scramble, scrabble”), German grabbeln (“to rummage, grope about”) and grapsen, grapschen (“to seize, grasp, grabble”). Influenced in some senses by grapple (“tool with claws or hooks”, noun) (see below). See further at grasp.
From Middle English grapple, graple, from Old French grappil (“a ship's grapple”) (compare Old French grappin (“hook”)), from Old French grape, grappe, crape (“hook”), of Germanic origin, from Frankish krappō (“hook”), from Proto-Indo-European grep- (“hook”), gremb- (“crooked, uneven”), from Proto-Indo-European ger- (“to turn, bend, twist”). See further at grape. Influenced in some senses by grapple (“seize”, verb) (see above).
Blend of grape + apple.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/grapple