comprehensive

American  

[kom-pri-hen-siv] / ˌkɒm prɪˈhɛn sɪv /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

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.

Example Sentences

The BLS report is more comprehensive and, unlike ADP, it includes government workers.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

"The FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the procurator fiscal who ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Archie's death were presented in evidence."

From BBC • May 5, 2026

The company doesn’t make public comprehensive data on users’ profits and doesn’t share its total number of users.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

In its statement, Spirit said there were "extensive and comprehensive efforts to restructure the business," but the lack of additional funding meant that Spirit "had no choice but to begin this wind-down."

From Barron's • May 2, 2026

No covert military tribunal, Secret Service snoopers, or police group could have devised half as comprehensive or effective a Distant Early Warning System.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Related Words

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