to comprehend

Examples

• All

• The objective of all readers should be to comprehend what they read.

  Academic text (2015)

• Do you comprehend what it is to be responsible for another human being?

  People Like Us (2012)

• I want all of you to fully comprehend what we're up against here.

  Scanner Cop II (1995)

• The purpose of reading is to comprehend the meaning of a text.

  Academic text (2013)

• We have to reach the point that we comprehend that this system is not sustainable.

• You learn how to comprehend the reading sections that are provided.

  LegalEagle

• When taking notes, students generally comprehend better because they are actively attending to the information.

  Academic text (2013)

• Many of these students lack the reading skills necessary to comprehend complex expository text.

  Academic text (2013)

• I don't think the human mind can comprehend how vastly complicated.

  Tom Bilyeu

• Students often find it difficult to comprehend abstract concepts in mathematics.

Synonyms

S

to see

vsto comprehend

∞ 1.0

To understand what something means

is the fuller intellectual grasp rather than mere momentary seeing

U

to understand

vsto comprehend

∞ 1.0

To know the meaning of something

is a more formal word often used in written or careful speech

G

to get

vsto comprehend

∞ 1.4

To understand what someone says or an idea

is the more formal and neutral term for that same mental act

R

to realize

vsto comprehend

• US

∞ 1.1

To suddenly understand something you did not know before

denotes steady understanding rather than a sudden realization

F

to figure out

vsto comprehend

• Informal

∞ 2.2

To think about something and find an answer or understand it

is more about general mental grasp than problem solving effort

G

to get it

vsto comprehend

• Informal

∞ 1.1

To understand something after someone explains it

covers understanding more broadly, not only after prior confusion

A

to appreciate

vsto comprehend

238 3.4

To understand how important something is

is focused on basic meaning rather than full appreciation of importance

P

to perceive

vsto comprehend

182 3.0

To become aware of something in your mind and understand it

is the standard verb for full intellectual understanding rather than mere awareness

D

to dig

vsto comprehend

• Slang

180 8.6

To understand or enjoy something

is the more formal, neutral description of mental understanding

G

to grasp

vsto comprehend

141 4.1

To understand something difficult clearly

expresses the same mental hold but with a slightly more formal tone

F

to fathom

vsto comprehend

56 6.1

To understand something after much thought

covers general understanding, not necessarily requiring long effort

G

to get the picture

vsto comprehend

• Informal

43 3.2

To understand what someone is saying or what is happening

is used for general mental grasp beyond seeing the big picture

C

to construe

vsto comprehend

• Formal

41 8.1

To understand words, actions, or events in a particular way

is broader, meaning simple knowing rather than specific interpretation

T

to take in

vsto comprehend

40 3.2

Understand new information or ideas

focuses on general knowing but is less about retention or absorption

G

to get wise

vsto comprehend

13 7.0

To understand someone tricked you and become more careful

is the general knowing state rather than discovery after deception

P

to penetrate

vsto comprehend

7 6.4

Understand the true meaning or nature of something

is a neutral cognitive term without the strong emotional effect

A

to apprehend

vsto comprehend

• Formal

4 4.3

To understand the meaning of something

is a more common formal choice for general understanding

G

to grok

vsto comprehend

• Jargon

3 9.9

To understand something deeply and naturally

is used for ordinary intellectual understanding rather than intuitive unity

S

to savvy

vsto comprehend

• Informal

2 7.2

To understand something in a casual way

is the neutral general term rather than a casual, experienced sense

C

to cognize

vsto comprehend

1 9.6

To notice and understand something in your mind

is focused more on full, careful understanding than simple recognition

F

to fathom the depth

vsto comprehend

1 7.5

To understand how serious or important something is

is the everyday knowing that may not reach the same depth

Antonyms

M

to misunderstand

164 1.8

To think something is true when it is not

How Well

to master

181 4.1

to grasp

141 4.1

to comprehend

140 2.7

to understand

∞ 1.0

to follow

225 1.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology