comprehend

American  

[kom-pri-hend] / ˌkɒm prɪˈhɛnd /

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.

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comprehend British  

/ ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnd /

verb

1. to perceive or understand

2. (tr) to comprise or embrace; include

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Usage

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.

Related Words

See 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

Etymology

Origin of comprehend

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

Example Sentences

The exciting and the scary part of artificial intelligence is there are things the human brain will not be able to comprehend.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The point Currie was making was that markets seem not to comprehend the logistical difficulties involved in moving different types of oil around, and the disruption it causes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Ackerley’s efforts to comprehend every aspect of Tulip’s body and mind are more than enough to carry the book.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Marge’s inability to comprehend the motivation behind these crimes is her greatest asset.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

I would wake up in a new body and wouldn’t comprehend why things felt muted, dimmer.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan

Related Words

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