comprehend

Comprehend is a verb meaning to grasp mentally the meaning, significance, or structure of something; to understand or apprehend through intellect rather than through sensation alone. It can imply a thorough or integrated understanding that includes relationships, implications, and context. The verb typically takes a direct object, as in comprehend a text, a concept, or a problem. In some older or more formal uses, it can also mean to include within a total, as in a price that comprehends meals.

Etymology and related forms: Comprehend derives from Latin comprehendere, formed from com- “together” and prehendere “to seize.” The noun is comprehension. Related adjectives include comprehensible (able to be understood) and comprehensive (covering a broad range or entirety). These related terms are distinct in meaning from comprehension and from the verb sense of comprehend.

Usage and nuance: Comprehend often carries a sense of depth or completeness beyond a casual understanding. It is common in formal writing, philosophy, education, and discourse discussing cognitive processes. It can be synonymous with understand, but it may suggest reasoning through complexity or grasping logical structure, rather than merely recognizing a fact. Note that some uses of apprehend, a different word, may cause confusion with law enforcement, so comprehension-focused contexts usually avoid that confusion.

In education and communication: Reading comprehension refers to the ability to derive meaning from written text, including identifying main ideas, meanings, and inferences. Improving comprehension typically involves vocabulary development, background knowledge, active monitoring of understanding, and strategies for analyzing structure and argument.

Examples: She could not comprehend the poet’s symbolism. The plan comprehends several interrelated components. The price comprehends meals. Beyond my comprehension.