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

Some notification tools were not “used or used often enough” in the early hours of the fire and there was “no clear, single, comprehensive voice” on evacuations.

From Los Angeles Times

Linsey Smith starred with three wickets, while Dean took 2-14 on a Guwahati pitch that offered plenty of assistance for the spinners, but Dean is cautious about getting carried away after such a comprehensive victory.

From BBC

Buddy's comprehensive school arranged support for his learning, although not for his emotional needs.

From BBC

"There needs to be a comprehensive review of all the individual surgeon's cases," said the family's lawyer, Nick Ward-Lowery from Hudgell Solicitors.

From BBC

Still, a comprehensive win with a significant net run-rate boost gives India the perfect start and morale boost as they seek their first World Cup win in either format.

From BBC

Related Words

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