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 Words From

• compre·hender noun
• compre·hending·ly adverb
• noncom·pre·hending adjective
• noncom·pre·hending·ly adverb
• precom·pre·hend verb (used with object)
• self-compre·hending adjective
• uncom·pre·hended adjective
• uncom·pre·hending adjective
• uncom·pre·hending·ly adverb
• well-com·pre·hended 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

Awe, the emotional response and feelings of wonder people experience when seeing things that they can’t fully comprehend, has long been associated with better mental and physical health.

From Popular-Science

We in the media unfortunately spent a couple of decades abetting this by deifying young tech founders who, it was often implied, simply know things we mere mortals can never comprehend.

From Fortune

In any case, once science began to comprehend the subatomic world, no force could stop the eventual revelation of the atom’s power.

From Science News

Make Googlebot do as little leg-work as possible in order to comprehend your content.

From Search Engine Watch

I saw a few pictures in there that looked pretty but couldn’t comprehend what I was reading.

From Science News For Students

I wouldn't, but I also wouldn't be surprised if Patriots fans didn't properly comprehend the mechanics of sex, either.

From The Daily Beast

White rappers are always difficult to comprehend, difficult to deal with.

From The Daily Beast

It is very difficult to sit by helplessly while a friend is imprisoned for a crime that is too implausible to comprehend.

From The Daily Beast

I could not comprehend the fact that Kristen and Lorne and Bill and all these people are singing “Happy Birthday” to me.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, when you read it, you comprehend how, almost inevitably, his oratorical gifts eclipsed his skill as a writer.

From The Daily Beast

We cannot bring our minds to comprehend that power; but let us raise our thoughts and try to understand something concerning it.

From Project Gutenberg

These cherished plants seemed to comprehend and requite unaffected love.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor hast thou ever known, Aspasia,Or couldst thou comprehend the thoughts that onceThou didst inspire in me.

From Project Gutenberg

Not long after this talk Bessie had an experience in school that helped her to comprehend her mother's words.

From Project Gutenberg

It is very important they should comprehend my act quite clearly, and he is the very man to do this great service to humanity.

From Project Gutenberg

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.