Comprehensive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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comprehensive

[ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

education

including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something

Synonyms

complete, extensive, inclusive, thorough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehensive	This word is suitable when you want to describe something that covers all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. It's often used in the context of reports, plans, studies, or coverage that is very detailed and broad. The comprehensive report covered all the recent developments in the field. She offered a comprehensive review of the new software.
complete	This word is best when you need to express that something has all the necessary or appropriate parts, or is finished without anything missing. It can refer to a task, a set, or any entity that is seen as whole. Make sure your homework is complete before you submit it. The complete collection of his works was published last year.
thorough	This word should be used when describing something done with great care and completeness. It's often applied to work, research, cleaning, or any activity that requires meticulous attention to detail. The police conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene. She gave her apartment a thorough cleaning before moving out.
inclusive	This word fits when you want to describe something that includes everything or everyone within a given scope. It often has a positive connotation of being fair and not excluding any particular group or element. We aim to create an inclusive environment for all employees. The holiday package is inclusive of all meals and activities.
extensive	Use this word to describe something that covers a large area, has reached a high degree or is wide-ranging. It often implies a significant amount or scope in terms of physical size, knowledge, damage, or influence. They conducted an extensive survey of customer opinions. The forest fire caused extensive damage.

Examples of usage

comprehensive study of the subject
comprehensive overview of the topic
comprehensive evaluation of the project

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

healthcare

of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive

Synonyms

complete, extensive, inclusive, thorough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehensive	Use this word when describing something that covers all or nearly all elements or aspects of something, especially in terms of information, detail, or understanding. She gave a comprehensive overview of the project. They have a comprehensive knowledge of the subject.
complete	This word is appropriate when something is finished in every way, with no parts missing or outstanding tasks. This is the complete edition of the book. All orders have been complete.
thorough	Use 'thorough' when describing something that is done with great care and completeness, often involving detailed work. She conducted a thorough investigation into the matter. His work is always very thorough.
inclusive	This word is ideal when emphasizing the inclusion of all items, people, or aspects without exception. The club is inclusive and welcomes people of all ages. They offer an inclusive package with all services included.
extensive	Use 'extensive' to describe something that is large in amount or scale, often used regarding areas, coverage, or spread. The storm caused extensive damage to the area. He has extensive experience in marketing.

Examples of usage

comprehensive health assessment
comprehensive medical care
comprehensive treatment plan

^{Context #3 | Noun}

insurance

a type of insurance that covers a wide range of risks and perils, providing broad protection

Synonyms

all-encompassing, broad, total.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
comprehensive	This word is best used to describe something that is thorough and includes a lot of detail. Often used in academic, technical, or detailed reporting contexts. The report provided a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact. She has a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
all-encompassing	Ideal for situations where something is intended to include everything or cover all aspects without exceptions. This is common in discussions about policies, systems, or ideologies. Their new policy is all-encompassing and leaves no issue unaddressed. His influence on the company was all-encompassing, impacting every department.
broad	Use this word when describing something that covers a wide range but not necessarily in great detail. It is commonly used in casual contexts, overviews, or initial summaries. She has a broad knowledge of different musical genres. The company offers a broad range of services.
total	This term is typically employed to describe something that is complete or absolute. It can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal, but often with a sense of finality. He has total control over the project's budget. The team achieved total victory in the competition.

Examples of usage

comprehensive insurance policy
comprehensive coverage for the vehicle

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

A comprehensive curriculum aims to cover a wide range of topics to ensure students receive a well-rounded education.
Standardized tests are often designed to be comprehensive, testing knowledge across multiple subjects.
In educational rhetoric, a comprehensive approach is vital for fostering critical thinking and connectivity between concepts.

Law

Legal documents described as comprehensive are detailed and cover all relevant issues to prevent ambiguity.
Comprehensive insurance policies include extensive coverage, protecting against a variety of risks or damages.
In the legal field, comprehensive analysis is crucial for understanding the full context of laws and regulations.

Business

A comprehensive business plan outlines every aspect of a proposed project, from finances to marketing strategies.
Comprehensive market research involves gathering extensive data about consumers and competitors.
In project management, comprehensive risk assessment includes anticipating potential issues across all project phases.

Technology

Comprehensive software systems integrate various functions, allowing users to manage multiple tasks in one platform.
In cybersecurity, a comprehensive approach addresses potential vulnerabilities across all systems and networks.
Comprehensive data analysis involves examining all relevant information to draw meaningful conclusions.

Origin of 'comprehensive'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'comprehensivus', meaning 'to seize or grasp together', indicating an all-encompassing nature.
It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe thorough, inclusive ideas or systems.
Latin roots also link it to 'comprehendere', which translates to 'understand', highlighting the idea of grasping all parts.

The word 'comprehensive' originated from the Latin word 'comprehendere', which means 'to grasp' or 'to contain'. The term evolved in the English language to represent something that is all-encompassing or inclusive. Over time, 'comprehensive' has been widely used in various fields such as education, healthcare, and insurance to describe thoroughness and inclusivity.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,229, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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