What is comprehensive? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of comprehensive

comprehensiveadjective

/ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv//ˌkɑːmprɪˈhensɪv/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "comprehensive." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and several ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • com: Sounds like "comb" (as in a hairbrush) - /kə/
  • pre: Sounds like "pre" as in "prepare" – /pri/
  • hensive: This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "hens-ive" – /hensɪv/

2. Putting It Together (Slowly):

  • kuhm (comb)
  • pree (pre)
  • hens-uh-sive (hens-uh-sive)

3. The Full Word - A Standard Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is: /kəmˈprɛnsɪv /

Let's break that down further:

  • kəm - As above (comb) – this is the stressed syllable.
  • ˈprɛnsɪv - “prɛns” rhymes with “pen” and “sive” sounds like “hens-ive”. The /ˈ signifies that this syllable is stressed (louder and longer).

4. Helpful Tips & Variations:

  • Emphasis: The first syllable ("com") is always strongly stressed.
  • "Hens" Sound: Some people might subtly alter the "hens" sound to be closer to "hins" – it's not radically different, but it's a common slight variation.
  • Linking: Once you get the individual parts, it flows together. You'll hear it often spoken as "com-pre-hensive."

Resources to Hear it Pronounced:

To help me give you even better advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you trying to understand how native speakers say it, or are you mainly focused on getting it right yourself?

Usage and examples with the word comprehensive in English

Let's break down how to use the word "comprehensive" effectively in English. It's a versatile word, but it's important to use it correctly to convey its meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Comprehensive means covering or including everything necessary or relevant; complete; thorough. It suggests an all-encompassing nature – it doesn't leave anything out.

2. How to Use It – Examples & Context:

Here's a breakdown of how to use "comprehensive" in various situations, with examples:

  • Describing Documents/Information: This is where "comprehensive" is most frequently used.

    • "We received a comprehensive report on the company’s financial performance." (Meaning: the report included all relevant financial data.)
    • "The website offers a comprehensive guide to using the software." (Meaning: the guide covers every aspect of the software.)
    • "The insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage." (Meaning: it covers a wide range of potential risks.)

  • Describing Examinations/Assessments:

    • "The exam was comprehensive, covering all the topics from the semester." (Meaning: it tested knowledge of everything taught.)
    • "She took a comprehensive medical check-up to ensure she was healthy." (Meaning: it was a thorough examination looking at all aspects of her health.)

  • Describing Systems/Plans:

    • "The hospital implemented a comprehensive safety plan." (Meaning: the plan included all necessary safety measures.)
    • “They developed a comprehensive strategy for tackling climate change.” (Meaning: the strategy covered all aspects of the issue.)

  • Describing People/Approaches (Less common, but possible):

    • “He is a comprehensive thinker – he considers all angles of a problem.” (Meaning: he’s thoughtful and doesn't overlook anything.) - Use this carefully, it’s a more nuanced usage.

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

Using synonyms can help you vary your language and avoid overusing "comprehensive." Here are some:

  • Complete
  • Thorough
  • Detailed
  • Extensive
  • All-inclusive
  • Extensive
  • Wide-ranging
  • Holistic

4. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • Don’t Overuse It: “Comprehensive” is a strong word. Don’t use it just because you want to sound impressive. Make sure it truly fits the context. Sometimes "detailed" or “extensive” is a better choice.

  • Contrast with “Partial”: "Comprehensive" is often used in contrast to “partial,” which means only a portion or part of something. "We received a partial report on sales." (meaning it didn't cover everything).

  • Follow with “Coverage”/“Analysis”: Often you'll see "comprehensive coverage" or "comprehensive analysis." This reinforces the idea of completeness.

5. Examples in Sentences (Putting it all together):

  • "The lawyer presented a comprehensive analysis of the evidence, leaving no aspect of the case unexamined."
  • “The government launched a comprehensive plan to address the housing crisis, including measures to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness.”
  • “Her research was truly comprehensive, covering a wide range of historical sources and offering a nuanced perspective on the topic.”

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

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., academic, business, creative writing?)
  • Can you give me a sentence or two where you're considering using “comprehensive”?

Synonyms for the word comprehensive

Practice with vocabulary comprehensive

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research project aims to provide a _____________________ analysis of the market trends across all sectors.
  2. His explanation was very clear and _____________________, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
  3. Before implementing the new policy, the committee conducted a _____________________ review of its potential impact on all stakeholders.
  4. We need to focus _____________________ the core objectives to achieve our goals effectively.

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

  1. Which of the following best describes a "comprehensive report"? a) One that covers only the main points. b) One that includes all relevant data and analysis. c) One that is brief and to the point. d) One that is thorough and exhaustive.

  2. To gain a __________________ understanding of climate change, one must consider scientific, economic, and social factors. a) superficial b) broad c) complete d) partial e) comprehensive

  3. The university offers a __________________ range of courses, from humanities to engineering, catering to diverse academic interests. a) limited b) narrow c) comprehensive d) all-encompassing e) selective

  4. Which word best describes someone who is skilled and knowledgeable in many different areas? a) specialized b) versatile c) novice d) amateur

  5. The project manager requested a __________________ update on the progress, focusing only on critical issues and upcoming deadlines. a) detailed b) exhaustive c) concise d) thorough

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company presented a report that covered every single aspect of its financial performance for the last quarter. (Rewrite using "comprehensive" or a related word form.)

  2. Before launching the new product, they ensured that every potential risk and benefit had been thoroughly evaluated. (Rewrite using "comprehensive" or a related word form.)

  3. The brief summary only touched upon the most important points. (Rewrite without using "comprehensive", but with a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. comprehensive
  2. detailed
  3. comprehensive
  4. on

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) One that includes all relevant data and analysis, d) One that is thorough and exhaustive
  2. b) broad, c) complete, e) comprehensive
  3. c) comprehensive, d) all-encompassing
  4. b) versatile
  5. c) concise

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company presented a comprehensive report on its financial performance for the last quarter.
  2. Before launching the new product, they conducted a comprehensive evaluation of all potential risks and benefits.
  3. The summary was concise, focusing only on the most important points.

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