izprast

Izprast is a Latvian verb meaning to understand, comprehend, or grasp the meaning of something. It denotes achieving a level of insight through study, reflection, or experience and is used for both concrete information and abstract ideas. In many contexts izprast suggests a deeper or more systematic understanding than the more general saprast, and it is common in analytical, academic, or formal discourse.

Etymology and related forms: The verb is formed with the prefix iz-, which adds a sense of completion or thoroughgoing action. A related noun is izpratne (understanding, comprehension), used to refer to the concept or state of understanding. The term appears across registers, from everyday speech to professional writing.

Usage: Izprast is transitive and takes a direct object, as in izprast kaut ko (to understand something), izprast valodu (to understand a language), or izprast sarežģītu teoriju (to understand a complex theory). It can express understanding achieved through study, experience, or reasoning, for example: Viņa cenšas izprast šo tekstu; Viņa cenšas izprast sarežģīto teoriju; Viņa cenšas izprast šo jautājumu.

Differences from saprast: Saprast is broader and more common in everyday language, signaling general understanding or realization. Izprast conveys depth, thoroughness, or formal analysis, and is often chosen when the speaker intends to emphasize a careful or comprehensive grasp of the subject.

Translations: In English, izprast corresponds to "to understand," "to comprehend," or "to grasp," depending on context.