What is grasp? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of grasp

graspverb

/ɡrɑːsp//ɡræsp/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "grasp" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "Grasp" is pronounced like "graps" – with a short "a" sound (like in "apple") and a "ps" sound at the end.

2. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /ɡræp/

    • ɡ: A hard "g" sound, like in "go."
    • ræ: A short "a" sound, as in "apple" or "trap." (NOT the long "a" as in "day").
    • p: A "p" sound, as in "pen."

3. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you say it:

  • Start with the "g" sound. Think of the sound you make when saying "go."
  • Then, say the short "a" sound. Like in "apple." Keep it brief!
  • Finish with the "ps" sound. As in "peas" or "lips." Make sure the two "s" sounds blend together smoothly.

4. Listen to examples:

  • Google it: Search "how to pronounce grasp" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/grasp/ allows you to hear the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.

Common Mistakes & Tips:

  • Don't say "graass." The "s" sound isn't there.
  • Don't pronounce the "a" too long. It’s a short "a" sound.
  • Blending the "ps" together is key to getting the correct sound.

To help me give you even more targeted guidance, would you like me to:

  • Practice saying it with you? (I can describe the sound as you repeat.)
  • Give examples of sentences using the word "grasp"?

Usage and examples with the word grasp in English

Let's break down how to use the word "grasp" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and nuances. Here’s a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. To Understand (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: To understand something fully; to comprehend.
  • Examples:
    • "I finally grasped the concept of quantum physics." (Meaning: I finally understood it)
    • "She struggled to grasp the meaning of the poem." (Meaning: She found it difficult to understand)
    • "It took him a while to grasp the implications of the law." (Meaning: It took him time to understand the significance)
    • "Do you grasp what I'm saying?" (Asking if the listener understands)

2. To Grab or Hold Firmly

  • Meaning: To seize, hold, or take something with one’s hands. This usage is often more physical.
  • Examples:
    • "He grasped the railing to steady himself on the ship." (Physical action)
    • “The robber grasped the necklace and fled.” (Physical action)
    • "She grasped his hand in comfort.” (Physical action)

3. To Extend or Reach Out (Figurative)

  • Meaning: To try to achieve or accomplish something; to make an effort. This is a more figurative use.
  • Examples:
    • "He’s trying to grasp at any opportunity for success." (Meaning: He's desperately trying to seize opportunities)
    • "The company is grasping at straws to save its profits." (Meaning: They're resorting to desperate measures)
    • “She’s trying to grasp control of the situation.” (Meaning: She is attempting to take charge)

4. (Less Common – More Formal) To Comprehend with the Mind

  • Meaning: This is a slightly more formal and literary way of saying "understand." It’s less frequently used in everyday conversation.
  • Example: "The philosopher aimed to grasp the fundamental nature of reality."

Key Phrases & Idioms with "Grasp":

  • Grasp the nettle: To confront a difficult problem directly. ("Let's grasp the nettle and address the budget issues.")
  • Grasp the nettle by the horns: To face a problem head-on with courage. (Similar to above, but emphasizes courage.)
  • Grasp at straws: To try desperately to find a solution when all hope is lost.

Tips for Using "Grasp" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "grasp" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like "understand," "comprehend," "seize," or "hold" depending on the intended meaning.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be aware of whether you're using 'grasp' in a literal (physical) way or a figurative (understand/attempt) way.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., a specific sentence you’re trying to write, a general area of vocabulary you want to learn, etc.)

Synonyms for the word grasp

Idioms of the word grasp

clutch/grasp at straws
to try all possible means to find a solution or some hope in a difficult or unpleasant situation, even though this seems very unlikely
  • I know I’m just clutching at straws here, but is it possible that the doctors are wrong?
grasp the nettle
(British English)to deal with a difficult situation without hesitating
  • The government now has the opportunity to grasp the nettle of prison reform.

Practice with vocabulary grasp

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It took the new intern several weeks to fully ______ the intricacies of the company's financial reporting system.
  2. She tried to ______ the meaning of the ancient text, but the language was too archaic.
  3. Despite the strong wind, the climber managed to ______ onto the narrow ledge with incredible strength.
  4. After hours of debate, the committee finally came to an ______ on the new policy.

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

  1. Which word(s) best describe the act of understanding a complex concept thoroughly? a) Misinterpret b) Grasp c) Comprehend d) Overlook

  2. If you want to hold something very firmly, you might: a) Release it b) Grasp it c) Clutch it d) Drop it

  3. The professor explained the theory multiple times, hoping the students would eventually ______ its significance. a) Perceive b) Grasp c) Ignore d) Appreciate

  4. To successfully gain new skills or knowledge, one must often: a) Acquire b) Memorize c) Discard d) Learn

  5. When a situation is rapidly changing and difficult to predict, it can be hard to fully ______ what is happening. a) Discern b) Foresee c) Predict d) Analyze

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The legal team found it challenging to fully understand all the nuances of the new international trade agreement. Rewrite (using "grasp"):
  2. Original: He was advised to seize the opportunity for promotion before someone else did. Rewrite (using "grasp"):
  3. Original: The concept of quantum physics is often difficult for beginners to fully comprehend. Rewrite (without using "grasp"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. grasp
  2. decipher
  3. grasp
  4. agreement

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Grasp, c) Comprehend
  2. b) Grasp, c) Clutch
  3. b) Grasp, d) Appreciate
  4. a) Acquire, d) Learn
  5. a) Discern, d) Analyze

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The legal team struggled to grasp all the nuances of the new international trade agreement.
  2. He was advised to grasp the opportunity for promotion before someone else did.
  3. The concept of quantum physics is often difficult for beginners to fully fathom.

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