Apprehending Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฎ
apprehending
[หรฆprษชหhษndษชล ]
Definitions
law enforcement
Understanding or grasping the meaning of something, especially through quick thinking or intuition.
Synonyms
arresting, capturing, seizing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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arresting |
Specifically refers to the formal act of taking someone into custody by law enforcement for breaking the law.
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capturing |
Implied in both military and law enforcement contexts, capturing means taking control of a person, place, or thing.
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seizing |
Often used in the context of confiscating items or assets, seizing can also mean taking strong or forceful control of someone or something.
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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.
general
To perceive or understand a concept or idea.
Synonyms
comprehend, grasp, understand.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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comprehend |
Used when trying to understand something in its entirety, often with intellectual depth or effort.
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grasp |
More informal and often used when talking about quickly or readily understanding a specific concept or fact.
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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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'apprehending'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'apprehending' originates from the Middle English word 'apprehenden', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize'. The term has evolved over time to encompass the idea of understanding or perceiving something, especially in the context of law enforcement. It has been used in English language since the 14th century.
See also: apprehend, apprehended, apprehension, apprehensive, misapprehend.