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Definition of comprehend
comprehend
/ˌkɑːm.prɪˈhend/
com · pre · hend
Adverb:comprehensibly
•Adjective:comprehensible
•Past Simple:comprehended
•Past Participle:comprehended
•Present Participle:comprehending
comprehend Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
Syllables
3
comprehend Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• verb
1
To grasp mentally; to understand the nature, meaning, or significance of something.
Example
"The students struggled to comprehend the complex mathematical theorem during the first lecture."
2
To include, comprise, or encompass within a certain scope or limit (formal).
Example
"The constitution was drafted to comprehend the fundamental rights and duties of all citizens."
Synonyms
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View all antonyms for comprehend• Rhymes for comprehend
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Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French 'comprehendre' or directly from Latin 'comprehendere', meaning 'to take together, unite, or grasp mentally', formed from 'com-' (together) and 'prehendere' (to seize or catch).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Comprehend. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/comprehend