kavramak

Kavramak is a Turkish verb meaning to understand, grasp, or realize something, especially a concept, idea, or situation. It denotes a mental grasp that goes beyond superficial recognition and implies clarity of comprehension. The verb is transitive and commonly used with direct objects such as bir şeyi kavramak or bir konuyu kavramak. It can also describe recognizing a broader truth or realizing a fact, often after reflection or explanation.

Etymology: Kavramak derives from kavram, meaning concept or notion, with the -ak infinitive suffix. Related terms include kavrayış (grasp, understanding) and kavrayabilmek (to be able to grasp).

Usage: In everyday Turkish, kavramak connotes a firm, sometimes intuitive, understanding. It is frequently used when discussing academic or abstract material, but it can also describe understanding social cues or someone’s feelings: birinin duygularını kavramak. The nuance is slightly stronger than anlamak, focusing on deep or accurate comprehension rather than mere awareness.

Nuances and comparison: Kavramak emphasizes cognitive grasp and internalization, often after explanation or experience. Anlamak is broader and can refer to awareness without full internalization. Kavrayış and idrak etmek are related nouns and verbs that also express grasp or perception, sometimes with a more formal or philosophical tone.

See also: anlamak, idrak etmek, kavrayış, kavramsal.