comprehend
Usage
What are other ways to say comprehend?
To comprehend is to know something thoroughly and to perceive its relationships to certain other ideas, facts, etc. To know is to be aware of something as a fact or truth: He knows the basic facts of the subject. I know that he agrees with me. To understand is to be fully aware not only of the meaning of something but also of its implications: I could comprehend all he said, but did not understand that he was joking.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Children were dying, and as the father of two young girls, I couldn’t comprehend why he would turn away from science.
From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026
Willis said she was a "huge fan" of the show, adding: "To be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can't quite comprehend."
From BBC • May 19, 2026
Something that really struck me while watching your documentary a few years ago was, it can be hard now to comprehend what fame was like in the ’80s and the ’90s.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
They are concerned with justice, as far as they can comprehend its meaning from the stories George reads to them.
From Salon • May 17, 2026
“You begin to comprehend me, do you?” cried he, turning towards her.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Vocabulary lists containing comprehend
Vocabulary of the Common Core
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List 4
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
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