What is comprehend? Pronunciation and usage in English

comprehend means . Learn how to pronounce and use comprehend through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of comprehend

comprehendverb

/ˌkɒmprɪˈhend//ˌkɑːmprɪˈhend/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "comprehend." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is broken into three syllables: com-pre-hend

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • com: Pronounced like "comb" – as in, a hair comb. ( /kɒm/ )
  • pre: Pronounced like "pre" in "prepare." ( /priː/ ) – The "ee" sound is a long "e" sound.
  • hend: This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "hand" but with a slight "d" sound at the end. ( /hɛnd/ ) – The "e" sound is a short "e" as in "bed."

3. Combined Pronunciation:

Putting it all together, it sounds like: “Kohm-prehnd”

4. Tips and Nuances:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: COM-prehend.
  • Linking Sounds: In natural speech, the “pre” and “hend” syllables often blend together a little. You'll hear it as almost one long syllable: "Kohm-prehnd."
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to get it right is to hear it! Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Break it down in a different way?

Usage and examples with the word comprehend in English

Let's break down how to use the word "comprehend" in English. It's a slightly more formal word than "understand," and it carries a stronger sense of grasping a complex idea or situation.

1. Core Meaning: To Grasp or Perceive Fully

At its heart, "comprehend" means to understand something completely and thoroughly. It's about more than just passively recognizing information; it's about internalizing it.

2. Common Usage – Verb Forms

  • Comprehend (strongest form): This is the most formal and emphatic way to use it. It suggests a deep, often intellectual, understanding.

    • Example: "I don't yet comprehend the complexities of quantum physics." (Meaning: I don't fully grasp how quantum physics works.)
    • Example: "The judge struggled to comprehend the defendant's convoluted explanation." (Meaning: The judge had difficulty fully understanding the explanation.)

  • Comprehended (past tense): Used to describe an action that happened in the past.

    • Example: "After careful consideration, he comprehended the implications of his decision."

  • Comprehending (present participle): Describes an ongoing process of understanding.

    • Example: "She was comprehending the details of the contract as she read through it."

  • Comprehends (third-person singular present): Used to describe someone who possesses the ability to understand.

    • Example: "The textbook comprehends the entire history of the Roman Empire."

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings, but consider the nuance):

  • Understand: This is the most common synonym. It's generally less formal than "comprehend."
  • Grasp: More active; suggests struggling to understand something. (“I’m trying to grasp this concept.”)
  • Realize: Implies understanding something suddenly or after difficulty. (“I finally realized the truth.”)
  • Perceive: Focuses on the act of noticing and understanding.
  • Appreciate: Means to understand the value or significance of something.

4. Phrases & Examples

  • "I need to comprehend the instructions before I can assemble this furniture." (Understands the steps)
  • "It took a long time for her to comprehend the situation." (Fully understands the extent of the situation)
  • "He claimed to comprehend the motives behind the crime." (Declared that they understood the reasons)
  • "The child is still struggling to comprehend the abstract concepts of mathematics."

5. Important Note: It’s often too formal for everyday conversation.

While “comprehend” is technically correct, using it constantly in casual speech can sound stilted or overly academic. "Understand" is usually a better choice in most situations.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "comprehend" in? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking to a friend, reading a textbook?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're trying to build around the word?

Synonyms for the word comprehend

Practice with vocabulary comprehend

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To truly ______ the complex nuances of quantum physics, one often needs years of dedicated study.
  2. Despite repeated explanations, the new employee struggled to ______ the basic safety protocols.
  3. After reading the financial report, Sarah was able to ______ the company's unexpected dip in profits.
  4. It took me a while to ______ the core concept of the algorithm, but now I feel confident.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The lecturer asked students if they could fully ______ the implications of the presented theory. A) memorize B) comprehend C) grasp D) overlook

  2. The intricate details of the legal document were difficult to ______ without prior legal knowledge. A) invent B) simplify C) comprehend D) understand

  3. The marketing team needs to ______ the target demographic's purchasing habits to create an effective campaign. A) memorize B) analyze C) predict D) observe

  4. Despite the language barrier, she managed to ______ the general sentiment of the speaker. A) discern B) misinterpret C) articulate D) comprehend

  5. The data scientist was tasked to ______ the vast dataset for actionable insights. A) summarize B) collate C) evaluate D) ignore

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It's crucial for managers to understand the diverse perspectives of their team members. (Rewrite using "comprehend")

  2. Her quick grasp of complex technical concepts impressed the hiring committee. (Rewrite using a related word form of "comprehend")

  3. The cryptologist worked tirelessly to make sense of the ancient manuscript's hidden codes. (Rewrite, but do not use "comprehend" or any of its related word forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To truly comprehend the complex nuances of quantum physics, one often needs years of dedicated study.
  2. Despite repeated explanations, the new employee struggled to comprehend the basic safety protocols.
  3. After reading the financial report, Sarah was able to interpret the company's unexpected dip in profits.
  4. It took me a while to grasp the core concept of the algorithm, but now I feel confident.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. B) comprehend, C) grasp
  2. C) comprehend, D) understand
  3. B) analyze
  4. A) discern, D) comprehend
  5. C) evaluate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It's crucial for managers to comprehend the diverse perspectives of their team members.
  2. Her quick comprehension of complex technical concepts impressed the hiring committee.
  3. The cryptologist worked tirelessly to decipher the ancient manuscript's hidden codes.

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