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Grasping: meaning, definitions and examples

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grasping

 

[ˈɡræspɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in a physical or metaphorical sense

1. To take a firm hold of something; grip. 2. To understand the nature or significance of. 3. To seize an opportunity eagerly. 4. To comprehend or appreciate fully. 5. To be greedy or selfish in a grasping way.

Synonyms

appreciate, comprehend, greedy, grip, seize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grasping

Typically used to describe someone who is overly eager to obtain and retain money or possessions, often with negative connotations.

  • His grasping nature made him very unpopular among his colleagues.
  • She had a grasping attitude towards wealth that was hard to ignore.
grip

Primarily used to describe physically holding something tightly. It can also metaphorically refer to having control or influence over something or someone.

  • He tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
  • The story has a grip on the reader right from the start.
comprehend

Used to describe the ability to understand or grasp the full meaning of something, often more complex or abstract concepts.

  • She struggled to comprehend the advanced mathematics presented in the lecture.
  • It took him a moment to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
seize

Used when taking hold of something quickly and forcefully. It can be used both in physical (literal) and metaphorical contexts.

  • The police officers seized the illegal substances.
  • She decided to seize the opportunity and start her own business.
appreciate

Used when you want to express that you understand the value, meaning, or importance of something or someone's actions. Often used in a positive and grateful context.

  • I really appreciate your help with the project.
  • It's important to appreciate the little things in life.
greedy

Used to describe someone who has an excessive desire for more, especially regarding wealth or food. This word has a strongly negative connotation.

  • His greedy attitude made him many enemies.
  • She was so greedy that she wouldn't share even a small piece of her cake.

Examples of usage

  • He was grasping the rope tightly as he climbed.
  • She had difficulty grasping the concept of quantum physics.
  • He was always grasping for power and control.
  • She grasped the beauty of the painting immediately.
  • His grasping attitude towards money alienated his friends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old English 'grappian,' which means to seize or take hold of.
  • It shares roots with the German word 'greifen,' which also means to grab or seize.
  • The transformation from 'grappian' to 'grasping' happened as the English language evolved over centuries.

Psychology

  • Grasping is linked to cognitive processes, indicating how well we understand and process information.
  • Researchers suggest that the physical act of grasping objects can mirror how we mentally grasp ideas, creating a connection between physical and mental actions.
  • Children often learn new concepts through tangible experiences, making grasping a key part of early education.

Literature

  • In literature, 'grasping' can represent a character's desire to obtain knowledge or power, often foreshadowing their journey.
  • Writers use the idea of grasping to illustrate themes of ambition, control, and understanding in complex narratives.
  • Famous works explore the struggle between grasping too much and the consequences that follow, highlighting the balance between desire and responsibility.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in titles of self-help books focusing on personal growth and understanding life’s complexities.
  • In modern media, characters who are 'grasping' often embody traits of greed or ambition, impacting how audiences perceive them.
  • Songs and films frequently use 'grasping' as a motif to describe characters' relationships and struggles with their desires.

Science

  • Studies in robotics have shown that models mimicking human grasping techniques can enhance the development of robotic hand technology.
  • Neurologically, grasping involves intricate connections between the brain and the hand, emphasizing the importance of motor skills.
  • Research into how infants learn to grasp objects can provide insights into child development and fine motor skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "grasping" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agarrar

🇮🇳 पकड़ना

🇩🇪 greifen

🇮🇩 meraih

🇺🇦 схоплювання

🇵🇱 chwytać

🇯🇵 把握する (haaku suru)

🇫🇷 saisir

🇪🇸 agarrar

🇹🇷 kavrama

🇰🇷 파악 (paak)

🇸🇦 القبض (alqabd)

🇨🇿 uchopit

🇸🇰 uchopiť

🇨🇳 掌握 (zhǎngwò)

🇸🇮 prijem

🇮🇸 grípa

🇰🇿 ұстау

🇬🇪 დაჭერა

🇦🇿 tutmaq

🇲🇽 agarrar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,213, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.