comprehend

[kom-pri-hend]

verb (used with object)

1. to understand the nature or meaning of; grasp with the mind; perceive.

   He did not comprehend the significance of the ambassador's remark.

2. to take in or embrace; include; comprise.

   The course will comprehend all facets of Japanese culture.

comprehend

/ ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnd /

verb

1. to perceive or understand

2. (tr) to comprise or embrace; include

Other Word Forms

• comprehender noun
• comprehendingly adverb
• noncomprehending adjective
• noncomprehendingly adverb
• precomprehend verb (used with object)
• self-comprehending adjective
• uncomprehended adjective
• uncomprehending adjective
• uncomprehendingly adverb
• well-comprehended adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of comprehend¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English comprehenden, from Latin comprehendere, from com- com- + prehendere “to seize” ( prehension )

Word History and Origins

Origin of comprehend¹

C14: from Latin comprehendere, from prehendere to seize

Synonym Study

See include.

Example Sentences

In court Hopper's case was described as "very unique", a "saga" and "difficult to comprehend".

From BBC

"Like all of us, they face the daunting challenge of trying to comprehend what she has done," his statement said.

From BBC

The trick to figuring out the truth is accepting nothing at face value and comprehending that what we imagined for ourselves may not be preferable to what’s right in front of us.

From Salon

Gunn’s writing humanized every single character – even Vigilante, a psycho unable to comprehend simple human cues like sarcasm, but who nearly collapses into tears when he realizes he may have failed his friend and hero.

From Salon

It takes a bit of distance, I think, to comprehend the extent to which procedural absurdity worked against Knox and Sollecito.

From Salon

Related Words

• appreciate 
• assimilate 
• discern 
• envision 
• fathom 
• grasp 

When To Use

What are other ways to say comprehend?

To comprehend something is to grasp it with the mind. How is comprehend different from know and understand? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.