definitions

comprehensive

[ kom-pri-hen-siv ]
/ ˌkɒm prɪˈhɛn sɪv /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR comprehensive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive: a comprehensive study of world affairs.
comprehending or thoroughly understanding with one's mind; having an extensive mental range or grasp, as of a particular subject or many subjects.
Insurance. covering or providing broad protection against loss.

noun

Often comprehensives. Also called comprehensive examination. an examination of extensive coverage given to measure a student's general progress, proficiency in his or her major field of study, or the like.
the detailed layout of an advertisement, showing placement of photographs, illustrations, copy, etc., as for presentation to a client.Compare visual(def 7).

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RELATED WORDS

full, complete, broad, global, overall, thorough, far-reaching, all-inclusive, encyclopedic, sweeping, extensive, exhaustive, catholic, umbrella, blanket, general, infinite, whole, absolute, compendious

Nearby words

compound-wound, comprador, comprehend, comprehensible, comprehension, comprehensive, comprehensive school, compress, compressed, compressed air, compressed speech

Origin of comprehensive

From the Late Latin word comprehēnsīvus, dating back to 1605–15. See comprehension, -ive

Related forms

Can be confused

comprehensible comprehensive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for comprehensive

British Dictionary definitions for comprehensive

comprehensive

/ (ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv) /

adjective

of broad scope or content; including all or much
(of a car insurance policy) providing protection against most risks, including third-party liability, fire, theft, and damage
having the ability to understand
of, relating to, or being a comprehensive school

noun

short for comprehensive school

Derived Forms

comprehensively, adverbcomprehensiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012