Comprehending Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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comprehending

[ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

understanding

The act of grasping the meaning or significance of something. It involves the ability to understand and interpret information, ideas, or concepts.

Synonyms

apprehending, cognizing, grasping, understanding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehending	Typically used in situations where understanding something in its entirety is emphasized. Often used in academic or formal discussions. She spent hours comprehending the complex theories in her textbook
understanding	A general term used in everyday language to indicate a clear perception of a subject, situation, or concept. Broadly applicable in various contexts. Do you have a good understanding of the new policy? Her understanding of the problem helped solve it quickly
grasping	Used informally to describe quickly and firmly understanding a concept, often with implications of effort or struggle. Can have a negative connotation when used to describe someone who is opportunistic. She finally grasped the concept after several explanations His grasping nature was evident in how he tried to manipulate the situation
cognizing	More technical or philosophical term, used in discussions about perception, awareness, or recognition. He spent years cognizing the deeper meanings of human existence
apprehending	Usually refers to understanding something mentally, but can also mean capturing or arresting someone (negative connotation). Often found in legal or police contexts. The detective was good at apprehending the motives of the criminal The police apprehended the suspect last night

Examples of usage

He had difficulty comprehending the complex instructions.
She was incapable of comprehending the magnitude of the situation.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

inclusion

To include or encompass something; to take in as a part of a whole.

Synonyms

embrace, encompass, include, incorporate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehending	Typically used when talking about understanding something fully, especially complex or abstract ideas. After studying all night, I finally started comprehending the theories of quantum mechanics. She had trouble comprehending the magnitude of the disaster.
include	Commonly used to describe the addition of something as a part of a larger whole. It is neutral and straightforward. The package will include free installation and a two-year warranty. Make sure to include all relevant details in your report.
encompass	Used when referring to including a wide range of ideas, subjects, or physical areas. It implies a thorough or comprehensive involvement. The project will encompass all aspects of rural development. Her interests encompass a variety of fields, from art to technology.
incorporate	Used when integrating something as a part of a system or whole, suggesting a deliberate and comprehensive integration. The new policy will incorporate suggestions from various stakeholders. It's important to incorporate feedback from users to improve the product.
embrace	Often used to describe the act of accepting or willingly adopting something with enthusiasm or pride. Occasionally, it can refer to physically hugging someone. The community decided to embrace the new changes with open arms. He was nervous about the move, but he knew he had to embrace the opportunity.

Examples of usage

The report comprehends all aspects of the project.
The new policy comprehends the needs of various stakeholders.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

Comprehension is a key goal in reading education, where students learn to not just read words but understand their meanings.
Strategies like summarizing, questioning, and visualizing can enhance comprehension, helping learners capture the essence of texts.
Research shows that active engagement with material, such as discussing or teaching it to someone else, improves comprehension.

Psychology

Cognitive processes involved in comprehension include perception, memory, and interpretation, showing how our minds work together to understand.
Studies suggest that prior knowledge plays a significant role in comprehension: the more you know about a subject, the easier it is to understand new information.
Barriers to comprehension can include cognitive overload, where too much information at once makes it hard to understand anything.

Literature

Many literary works rely on comprehension for deeper interpretations of themes, symbols, and character development.
Author’s use of metaphor and allegory often requires readers to comprehend layers of meaning beyond just the text's surface.
Great literature often reflects complex human experiences, challenging readers to stretch their comprehension skills and think critically.

Technology

In modern education technology, comprehension tools like interactive software and AI-enhanced learning platforms are becoming popular.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) in AI aims to improve comprehension of human language, making communication with machines more intuitive.
Assessment technologies now measure not just recall but true comprehension by requiring learners to apply concepts in different contexts.

Origin of 'comprehending'

Main points about word origin

The word 'comprehend' comes from the Latin 'comprehendere', meaning 'to seize or grasp' – just like grabbing an idea with your mind.
It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century, showcasing how understanding has been valued for centuries.
Related words like 'comprehension' and 'comprehensive' share the same root, highlighting the importance of grasping large concepts.

The word 'comprehending' originates from the Latin word 'comprehendere', which means 'to seize, grasp, or take together'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of understanding or including something. The concept of comprehension has been integral to human communication and learning processes throughout history, shaping our ability to grasp complex information and ideas.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,014, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17011 detonation
17012 feigned
17013 remonstrance
17014 comprehending
17015 subheading
17016 mysteriously
17017 methodical
...