comprehend — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To understand or grasp fully and thoroughly; to plumb.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   see

   Examples

   I just can't comprehend how someone could be a butcher and vegetarian at the same time.

   More examples (1)

   Our ſoules, whoſe faculties can comprehend The wondrous Architecture of the world: And meaſure euery wandring planets courſe, Still climing after knowledge infinite, […]

2. To include, comprise; to contain.

   Usage

   • Archaic

   Examples

   And lothly mouth, unmeete a mouth to bee, / That nought but gall and venim comprehended […].

   More examples (1)

   The King being resolved to have a Peace concluded at any Rate, sent us at last to Monsieur des Farges, who would hearken to no Treaty, without allowing us the benefit of being comprehended in it, by which means our liberty was obtain'd.

   In the second century of the Christian Æra, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind.

Verb

1. get the meaning of something

   Synonyms

   grokget the picturesavvydiggraspcompassapprehend

   Broader terms

   understand

   Examples

   Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?

2. to become aware of through the senses

   Synonyms

   perceive

   Broader terms

   learnhearget wordget windpick upfind outget a linediscoversee

   Examples

   I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon

3. include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory

   Synonyms

   embraceencompasscover

   Broader terms

   include

   Examples

   This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds

   this should cover everyone in the group