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Comprehend

 - 3 dictionary results

com⋅pre⋅hend

  [kom-pri-hend]
Use Comprehend in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to understand the nature or meaning of; grasp with the mind; perceive: He did not comprehend the significance of the ambassador's remark.
2. to take in or embrace; include; comprise: The course will comprehend all facets of Japanese culture.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME comprehenden < L comprehendere, equiv. to com- com- + prehendere to grasp; see prehensile

Related forms:
com⋅pre⋅hend⋅er, noun
com⋅pre⋅hend⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. See know 1 . 2. See include.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Comprehend
com·pre·hend   (kŏm'prĭ-hěnd')   
tr.v.   com·pre·hend·ed, com·pre·hend·ing, com·pre·hends

  1. To take in the meaning, nature, or importance of; grasp. See Synonyms at apprehend.

  2. To take in as a part; include. See Synonyms at include.


[Middle English comprehenden, from Latin comprehendere : com-, com- + prehendere, to grasp; see ghend- in Indo-European roots.]
com'pre·hend'i·ble adj., com'pre·hend'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

comprehend 
1340, "to grasp with the mind," from L. comprehendere "to grasp, seize," from com- "completely" + prehendere "to catch hold of, seize" (see prehensile). Comprehensive "containing much" is from 1662.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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