An Encylopedia Britannica Company

December 31, 2019 Word of the Day

comprehend /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛnd/ verb
comprehend
/ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛnd/
verb

comprehends; comprehended; comprehending

The woman can't comprehend what went wrong.
The woman can't comprehend what went wrong.
Definition of COMPREHEND

[+ object] somewhat formal

: to understand (something, such as a difficult or complex subject)

  • He is able to fully comprehend [=understand completely] what is happening and react appropriately.

— often used in negative statements

  • They are unable to comprehend what had happened

  • We can scarcely comprehend how it all ended.

  • I find his attitude impossible/difficult to comprehend.

More Words of the Day