Synonyms for

Comprehend

Verb / ˌkɑ:mpri:ˈhend / Another word for comprehend — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To understand or grasp the meaning of something.

Synonyms & similar words

compass embrace grok dig grasp savvy apprehend encompass cover getthepicture perceive understand grasp apprehend fathom follow absorb digest learn know realize see perceive discern appreciate sense

Synonyms by register

Formal

grasp apprehend fathom perceive

Informal

get figure out make sense of catch on

Literary

discern apprehend perceive

Antonyms

misunderstand ignore disregard overlook miss neglect

Common collocations

  • comprehend the meaning
  • comprehend the situation
  • comprehend fully
  • comprehend the text
  • comprehend the implications
  • comprehend the complexity
  • comprehend the instructions

Word family

noun comprehension
verb comprehend
adjective comprehensible
adverb comprehensibly

Usage note

Comprehend is a formal verb. While 'understand' is often interchangeable, 'comprehend' can imply a deeper or more intellectual grasp of something.

Example sentences

  1. I can comprehend the instructions for this game.
  2. It's hard for me to comprehend the meaning of this poem.
  3. Can you comprehend how to solve this math problem?
  4. He couldn't comprehend why she was so upset.
  5. I hope you can comprehend the importance of studying for exams.

Quotes

  • The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts. - Bertrand Russell
  • Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. - Immanuel Kant
  • The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. - William Shakespeare

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