Grasping: meaning, definitions and examples
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grasping
[ ˈɡræspɪŋ ]
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
grasping |
Typically used to describe someone who is overly eager to obtain and retain money or possessions, often with negative connotations.
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grip |
Primarily used to describe physically holding something tightly. It can also metaphorically refer to having control or influence over something or someone.
|
comprehend |
Used to describe the ability to understand or grasp the full meaning of something, often more complex or abstract concepts.
|
seize |
Used when taking hold of something quickly and forcefully. It can be used both in physical (literal) and metaphorical contexts.
|
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.
|
greedy |
Used to describe someone who has an excessive desire for more, especially regarding wealth or food. This word has a strongly negative connotation.
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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
- compreender
- apreender
🇮🇳 पकड़ना
🇩🇪 greifen
- begreifen
- erfassen
🇮🇩 meraih
- memahami
- menggenggam
🇺🇦 схоплювання
- розуміння
- хватка
🇵🇱 chwytać
- pojmowanie
- zrozumienie
🇯🇵 把握する (haaku suru)
🇫🇷 saisir
- comprendre
- agripper
🇪🇸 agarrar
- comprender
- captar
🇹🇷 kavrama
- anlama
- tutma
🇰🇷 파악 (paak)
🇸🇦 القبض (alqabd)
🇨🇿 uchopit
- pochopit
- chápat
🇸🇰 uchopiť
- pochopiť
- chápať
🇨🇳 掌握 (zhǎngwò)
🇸🇮 prijem
- razumevanje
- dojemanje
🇮🇸 grípa
🇰🇿 ұстау
🇬🇪 დაჭერა
🇦🇿 tutmaq
🇲🇽 agarrar
- comprender
- captar
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.