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comprehend

verb

/kɒmprɪˈhɛnd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of comprehend

To understand, grasp, or fully apprehend the meaning or significance of something.
"I find it difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the universe."

Detailed meaning of comprehend

It involves the mental process of making sense of information, ideas, or concepts and being able to interpret and integrate them into one's knowledge or mental framework. 'Comprehend' signifies a deeper level of understanding that goes beyond mere recognition or awareness; it implies the ability to appreciate the details, connections, and implications of what is being considered. Whether it's comprehending a complex mathematical theorem, comprehending a piece of literature, or comprehending someone else's point of view, this term emphasizes the cognitive capacity to fully and accurately grasp the essence of a subject or the depth of a situation.

Example sentences containing comprehend

1. I struggle to comprehend the complexities of quantum physics.
2. Can you comprehend the depth of her sorrow?
3. It's hard for me to comprehend why he would make such a decision.
4. The child couldn't comprehend the concept of infinity.
5. He tried to explain the theory, but I couldn't comprehend it fully.
6. The professor's lecture was too advanced for me to comprehend.

History and etymology of comprehend

The verb 'comprehend' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'comprehendere,' which is a combination of 'com-' (meaning 'together') and 'prehendere' (meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp'). In its original Latin form, 'comprehendere' conveyed the idea of grasping something together or capturing it in one's understanding. Over time, as the term entered the English language, 'comprehend' came to signify the act of understanding, grasping, or fully apprehending the meaning or significance of something. The etymology of 'comprehend' thus underscores its use as a verb that describes the mental process of capturing or seizing the essence of a concept or idea, demonstrating a deep level of understanding or insight.

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Further usage examples of comprehend

1. I can't comprehend how anyone could enjoy such a gruesome movie.
2. The poem's meaning was so profound that it was hard to comprehend.
3. I need more time to comprehend the implications of this discovery.
4. It's challenging to comprehend the motives behind his actions.
5. The complexity of the legal system is beyond my ability to comprehend.
6. I struggle to comprehend the depth of her betrayal.
7. He found it hard to comprehend the extent of the disaster.
8. The artwork was so abstract that I couldn't comprehend its meaning.
9. It takes a lot of effort to comprehend the intricacies of computer programming.
10. The foreign language was difficult for me to comprehend.
11. I comprehend the importance of this decision for our future.
12. The philosophical concepts were hard to comprehend without prior knowledge.
13. The enormity of the disaster was almost impossible to comprehend.
14. Can you comprehend the consequences of your actions?

Prefix com-, Advancement and Improvement, Scientific and Methodical, Insight and Intrigue, Nuance and Precision, Perception and Perspicacity, Consciousness and Awareness, Curiosity and Inquiry, Middle School 4, Education and Mastery

absorb,apprehend,assimilate,digest,discern,fathom,grasp,perceive,realize

cognize