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

The IDF told the BBC it has comprehensive processes to "ensure implementation with the Law of Armed Conflict".

From BBC

UG Solutions defended its hiring practices to the BBC, saying it conducts “comprehensive background checks” and does not screen for “personal hobbies or affiliations unrelated to job performance or security standards.”

From Salon

It said it was in discussion about how to turn them "into a comprehensive agreement that meets the needs of our people".

From BBC

Whenever anyone calls to make an appointment at Palace, they are greeted with a comprehensive list of questions: What’s the project?

From Los Angeles Times

The Welsh government said: "We thank the committee for its comprehensive report which we are now reviewing and will respond to the recommendations in due course."

From BBC

Related Words

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