Grasping: meaning, definitions and examples

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grasping

 

[ ˈɡræspɪŋ ]

Verb
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.

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'grasping' originates from the Old English word 'græpsan', which means 'to seize, to reach out'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include both physical and metaphorical senses of taking hold of something. The term has been used in English for centuries to describe the act of firmly holding onto something or understanding a concept. The negative connotation of being greedy or selfish in a grasping way emerged later in the history of the word.

See also: grasp, graspable, grasped, grasper.

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.