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

“I just don’t think the human brain can comprehend what he does and how difficult it is and how he is elite at both,” Friedman said.

From Los Angeles Times

Many white people, even the most well-meaning, cannot fully comprehend that.

From Salon

She said she still cannot comprehend why it took so long to find out what had been causing her pelvic pain.

From BBC

The standings spoke for themselves, but the Angels’ management wanted you to know they had comprehended the lesson.

From Los Angeles Times

"I cannot yet comprehend that this is real," his sister Sanaa Seif said.

From BBC

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.