comprehend
[ kom-pri-hend ]
/ ˌkɒm prɪˈhɛnd /
verb (used with object)
to understand the nature or meaning of; grasp with the mind; perceive: He did not comprehend the significance of the ambassador's remark.
to take in or embrace; include; comprise: The course will comprehend all facets of Japanese culture.
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Nearby words
Origin of comprehend
1350–1400; Middle English comprehenden < Latin comprehendere, equivalent to com- com- + prehendere to grasp; see prehensile
Related forms
Can be confusedapprehend comprehend
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for comprehend
British Dictionary definitions for comprehend
comprehend
/ (ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnd) /
verb
to perceive or understand
(tr) to comprise or embrace; include
Word Origin for comprehend
C14: from Latin comprehendere, from prehendere to seize
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 comprehend
comprehend
mid-14c., "to understand," from Latin comprehendere "to take together, to unite; include; seize" (of catching fire or the arrest of criminals); also "to comprehend, perceive" (to seize or take in the mind), from com- "completely" (see com-) + prehendere "to catch hold of, seize" (see prehensile). Related: Comprehended; comprehending.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper