comprehend

UK /kɒmpɹɪˈhɛnd/ US /ˌkɑmpɹɪˈhɛnd/

verb 2

Collocations

(verb.)

ADV

fully

VERB + COMPREHEND

be able/unable to

cannot, fail to

Many people cannot comprehend why their children enjoy playing video games for hours.

be difficult to, be impossible to

It was impossible to comprehend why she suddenly decided to leave her job.

Definitions

verb

To understand or grasp fully and thoroughly; to plumb.

I just can't comprehend how someone could be a butcher and vegetarian at the same time.

Our ſoules, whoſe faculties can comprehend The wondrous Architecture of the world: And meaſure euery wandring planets courſe, Still climing after knowledge infinite, […]

To include, comprise; to contain.

And lothly mouth, unmeete a mouth to bee, / That nought but gall and venim comprehended […].

The King being resolved to have a Peace concluded at any Rate, sent us at last to Monsieur des Farges, who would hearken to no Treaty, without allowing us the benefit of being comprehended in it, by which means our liberty was obtain'd.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

verb — get the meaning of something

verb — to become aware of through the senses

perceive

verb — include in scope

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

I just can't comprehend how someone could be a butcher and vegetarian at the same time.

Wiktionary

Our ſoules, whoſe faculties can comprehend The wondrous Architecture of the world: And meaſure euery wandring planets courſe, Still climing after knowledge infinite, […]

Wiktionary

And lothly mouth, unmeete a mouth to bee, / That nought but gall and venim comprehended […].

Wiktionary

The professor was unable to comprehend what I meant.

Tatoeba · #48678

This theory is too difficult for me to comprehend.

Tatoeba · #56523

He could not comprehend the value of her advice.

Tatoeba · #284900

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, comprehend is marked as archaic. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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