comprehensive
[kom-pri-hen-siv]
- of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive: a comprehensive study of world affairs.
- comprehending or thoroughly understanding with one's mind; having an extensive mental range or grasp, as of a particular subject or many subjects.
- Insurance. covering or providing broad protection against loss.
- Often comprehensives. Also called comprehensive examination. an examination of extensive coverage given to measure a student's general progress, proficiency in his or her major field of study, or the like.
- the detailed layout of an advertisement, showing placement of photographs, illustrations, copy, etc., as for presentation to a client.Compare visual(def 7).
Origin of comprehensive
Synonyms
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com1. broad, wide, extensive, full.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for comprehensive
Contemporary Examples
What qualifies as vast enough, as comprehensive enough, as representative enough to faithfully render a city and its people?
Therefore, reforming this trade is part of a comprehensive strategy, including regional governance reforms, to help end the war.
The evolution of style is oft studied but rarely understood in any comprehensive manner.
A comprehensive rehabilitation approach takes into account all these factors.
In both conflicts, the long-term solution lies in a comprehensive response to the growing threat.
Historical Examples
Mr. Gladstone took broad and comprehensive views of the question.
The Grand Old ManRichard B. Cook
He nodded again, with a comprehensive survey of the reeking floor.
The Fortune HunterLouis Joseph Vance
That was comprehensive enough; the details were quite certain to occur.
The Gentleman From IndianaBooth Tarkington
And "nothing" is more nearly a comprehensive answer than at first you might believe.
The ForestStewart Edward White
Almost as comprehensive a cure as some of our modern universal specifics!
StoryologyBenjamin Taylor
comprehensive
- of broad scope or content; including all or much
- (of a car insurance policy) providing protection against most risks, including third-party liability, fire, theft, and damage
- having the ability to understand
- of, relating to, or being a comprehensive school
- short for comprehensive school
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for comprehensive
adj.
"containing much," 1610s, from French comprehénsif, from Late Latin comprehensivus, from comprehens-, past participle stem of Latin comprehendere (see comprehend). Related: Comprehensively (mid-15c.); comprehensiveness.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper