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Apprehending: meaning, definitions and examples

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apprehending

 

[ˌæprɪˈhɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

law enforcement

Understanding or grasping the meaning of something, especially through quick thinking or intuition.

Synonyms

arresting, capturing, seizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apprehending

Used in formal contexts or in law enforcement to indicate the act of catching or detaining a person who is suspected of committing a crime.

  • The police are dedicated to apprehending the suspect as quickly as possible.
  • The detective was praised for apprehending the serial robber.
arresting

Specifically refers to the formal act of taking someone into custody by law enforcement for breaking the law.

  • The officers are arresting the man for trespassing.
  • She was arrested last night in connection to the burglary.
capturing

Implied in both military and law enforcement contexts, capturing means taking control of a person, place, or thing.

  • The soldiers were successful in capturing the enemy base.
  • Capturing the fugitive took weeks of planning and coordination.
seizing

Often used in the context of confiscating items or assets, seizing can also mean taking strong or forceful control of someone or something.

  • Customs officials are seizing illegal drugs at the border.
  • The dictator's forces are seizing power through a coup.

Examples of usage

  • The police officer did a great job apprehending the suspect.
  • She was apprehended by the authorities after attempting to flee the scene.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To perceive or understand a concept or idea.

Synonyms

comprehend, grasp, understand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apprehending

Often used in more formal or legal contexts where it implies the act of arresting someone or comprehending something complex with a degree of certainty.

  • The police succeeded in apprehending the suspect after a long chase.
  • He has a difficult time apprehending the intricacies of the new theory.
comprehend

Used when trying to understand something in its entirety, often with intellectual depth or effort.

  • It takes time to fully comprehend quantum physics.
  • She couldn't comprehend why her friend had left without saying goodbye.
grasp

More informal and often used when talking about quickly or readily understanding a specific concept or fact.

  • She quickly grasped the basics of the game.
  • Can you grasp the main idea of the article?
understand

A general term used in a variety of contexts to indicate that someone knows or is aware of a concept, situation, or piece of information.

  • I understand what you're saying.
  • Do you understand the instructions?

Examples of usage

  • I have trouble apprehending the complexity of quantum mechanics.
  • It took me a while to apprehend the true meaning of the poem.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • This word comes from the Latin 'apprehendere', which means 'to seize or take hold of'.
  • The prefix 'ad-' implies 'to' or 'toward', while 'prehendere' translates to 'to grasp'.
  • In its earliest forms, the word was used in contexts of both seizing objects and understanding concepts.

Psychology

  • Cognitive development studies show that apprehending complex ideas is a crucial part of growing up.
  • Understanding is linked to emotional intelligence, where people can empathize with others' feelings.
  • There are different levels of understanding, from basic recognition to deeper insight, which requires critical thinking.

Education

  • In classrooms, enhancing students' apprehending skills involves using tools like questions and discussions to engage their minds.
  • Teachers often use visual aids and examples to help students grasp difficult subjects.
  • Learning often combines senses, where seeing, hearing, and active participation boosts comprehension significantly.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate the nature of understanding and whether it is instinctual or learned through experience.
  • The concept of 'apprehension' also relates to existential understanding, where individuals make sense of their existence.
  • Some schools of thought argue that true understanding involves not just cognitive grasping, but also emotional engagement.

Literature

  • Authors often explore themes of understanding through characters who confront and learn from their challenges.
  • In many novels, the journey of apprehending complex truths drives the plot and character development.
  • Metaphors and symbols in literature can create layers of meaning that enhance the reader's apprehending of the text.

Translations

Translations of the word "apprehending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apreender

🇮🇳 गिरफ्तार करना

🇩🇪 festnehmen

🇮🇩 menangkap

🇺🇦 затримувати

🇵🇱 aresztować

🇯🇵 逮捕する (たいほする)

🇫🇷 appréhender

🇪🇸 apresar

🇹🇷 yakalamak

🇰🇷 체포하다 (체포하다)

🇸🇦 القبض على

🇨🇿 zatknout

🇸🇰 zatknúť

🇨🇳 逮捕 (dàibǔ)

🇸🇮 aretirati

🇮🇸 handtaka

🇰🇿 қамау

🇬🇪 დაპატიმრება

🇦🇿 tutmaq

🇲🇽 aprehender

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,214, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.