comprehensive

[kom-pri-hen-siv]

adjective

1. of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive.

   a comprehensive study of world affairs.

   Synonyms: full, extensive, wide, broad

2. comprehending or thoroughly understanding with one's mind; having an extensive mental range or grasp, as of a particular subject or many subjects.

3. Insurance.,  covering or providing broad protection against loss.

noun

1. Also called comprehensive examination. Informal,,  none comprehensives. none comps an examination of extensive coverage given to measure a student's general progress, proficiency in their major field of study, or the like.

2. the detailed layout of an advertisement, showing placement of photographs, illustrations, copy, etc., as for presentation to a client.

comprehensive

/ ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. of broad scope or content; including all or much

2. (of a car insurance policy) providing protection against most risks, including third-party liability, fire, theft, and damage

3. having the ability to understand

4. of, relating to, or being a comprehensive school

noun

1. short for comprehensive school

Other Word Forms

• comprehensively adverb
• comprehensiveness noun
• noncomprehensive adjective
• noncomprehensively adverb
• noncomprehensiveness noun
• precomprehensive adjective
• precomprehensively adverb
• precomprehensiveness noun
• quasi-comprehensive adjective
• quasi-comprehensively adverb
• uncomprehensive adjective
• uncomprehensively adverb
• uncomprehensiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of comprehensive¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin comprehēnsīvus; comprehension, -ive

Example Sentences

Taylor’s theories were based on comprehensive studies of people at work.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Delegates also reached consensus on working towards "just, comprehensive, and lasting peace" in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the "Occupied Palestinian Territory".

Read more on BBC

But the results of the blended data approach have been more timely, comprehensive indicators that closely track the official barometers.

Read more on Barron's

Mineral Resources has removed the timeline for founder Chris Ellison’s departure, instead implementing “a comprehensive and holistic succession strategy” that the analysts reckon is a sensible response to succession risk.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The State Department's annual human rights report has been seen historically as the most comprehensive study of its kind by any government.

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Related Words

• all-inclusive 
• broad 
• complete 
• encyclopedic 
• exhaustive 
• extensive 
• far-reaching 
• full 
• global 
• overall 
• sweeping 
• thorough