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

One of the most comprehensive was the U.S.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Akero said the deal was reached after a comprehensive review by its board.

Read more on MarketWatch

Manufacturers, regulators and airlines have said these types of incidents are too infrequent, levels of contamination too low and scientific research on lasting health risks too inconclusive to warrant a comprehensive fix.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Quest says among its most popular tests is a $385 comprehensive health profile that analyzes more than 75 markers including those related to heart, kidney and liver health, as well as diabetes risk.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

So I loaded up on emergency medical and evacuation coverage for her as part of a comprehensive policy for our two-week trip.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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