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REFERENCE

grasp

v. · n.
US //ˈɡɹæsp// UK //ɡɹˈɑːsp// grasp
  1. 1 to hold tightly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to take a firm hold of something with your hand.

    to seize and hold something firmly, typically with the hands.

    Example

    He had to grasp the railing tightly to avoid falling on the stairs.

    Example

    The climber managed to grasp a narrow ledge just as his foot slipped, preventing a dangerous fall down the rock face.

    Usage

    Transitive; takes a direct object.
  2. 2 to understand (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to understand a difficult or complicated idea.

    to comprehend or mentally process a complex concept or situation.

    Example

    It took me a while to grasp the main point of the lecture.

    Example

    The students struggled to grasp the theoretical implications of the new law until the professor provided concrete examples.

    Usage

    Often used with abstract nouns like 'concept', 'meaning', or 'significance'.
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  1. 3 physical grip (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of holding something, or the way you hold it.

    a firm physical grip or the power of gripping.

    Example

    The suitcase slipped from his grasp and fell into the water.

    Example

    The child struggled to maintain his grasp on the oversized ball as he ran across the playground.
  2. 4 mental understanding (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    your understanding of a subject or a situation.

    the capacity for understanding or the extent of one's comprehension.

    Example

    She has an excellent grasp of French after living in Paris for a year.

    Example

    The candidate demonstrated a thorough grasp of the industry's challenges during the final round of interviews.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'a good grasp of'.
  3. 5 within reach (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    the ability to get or achieve something.

    the range or scope of one's power, reach, or ability to achieve a goal.

    Example

    Victory was finally within their grasp after a long and difficult season.

    Example

    The diplomat feared that a peaceful resolution was slipping from their grasp as negotiations stalled for the third day.
Origin

From Middle English graspen, grapsen, craspen (“to grope; feel around”), from Old English grǣpsian, from Proto-West Germanic graipisōn, from Proto-Germanic graipisōną, from Proto-Indo-European gʰrebʰ- (“to take, seize, rake”), the same ultimate source as grab. Cognate with Saterland Frisian grapsje (“to grab, grasp”), German Low German grapsen (“to grab; grasp”), German grapsen and grapschen, Old English grāpian ("to touch, feel, grasp"; > Modern English grope). Compare also Swedish krafsa (“to scatch; scabble”), Norwegian krafse (“to scramble”).

Idioms1 entry

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