comprehensive
Americanadjective
-
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
-
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.
-
the detailed layout of an advertisement, showing placement of photographs, illustrations, copy, etc., as for presentation to a client.
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
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
quasi-comprehensivelyadverb
-
noncomprehensivenessnoun
-
noncomprehensiveadjective
-
comprehensivenessnoun
-
uncomprehensivelyadverb
-
precomprehensiveadjective
-
noncomprehensivelyadverb
-
uncomprehensivenessnoun
-
precomprehensivenessnoun
-
comprehensivelyadverb
-
quasi-comprehensiveadjective
-
precomprehensivelyadverb
-
uncomprehensiveadjective
Etymology
Origin of comprehensive
First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin comprehēnsīvus; see comprehension, -ive
Explanation
When you want to describe something that includes all or most details, you can use the adjective comprehensive. If you get the comprehensive treatment at a spa, it might include a massage, a manicure and a facial. Comprehensive is from Latin comprehensivus, from comprehensus, the source of English comprehend. In business, comprehensive insurance is insurance that covers a broad range, offering protection against most risks of a certain type. It applies mainly to car insurance.
Vocabulary lists containing comprehensive
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Grade 9, List 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Jane Eyre
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Because of this, many people continue to look for options that feel safer, more natural, or more comprehensive.
From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026
Clear, concise and comprehensive, it highlights most factors leading the Angels to the bottom of MLB.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026
Twenty-six percent of companies say they have a comprehensive view of their AI costs, while 50% have some visibility and 22% report no visibility or visibility after billing, according to an as-yet-unreleased survey from KPMG.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
Telos Actuarial found that premiums for Plan G, the most comprehensive policy available, rose roughly 16% to 21% year over year in certain markets.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
VED: This information changes the quantitative value of questioning needed to provide comprehensive analysis of hypothetical scenario.
From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
