verb

comprehend

to understand, to grasp, to include

I cannot comprehend his decision.

I cannot comprehend his decision.

The universe is too vast to comprehend.

The universe is too vast to comprehend.

((sth.)) to understand something fully. She could not comprehend the scale of the disaster.

((that...)) to understand that something is the case. He couldn't comprehend that she was leaving.

((how/what/why...)) to understand a question word clause. I can't comprehend why he would do that.

Synonyms: understand, grasp, fathom, perceive

From Latin 'comprehendere', from 'com-' (together) + 'prehendere' (to grasp). Literally 'to grasp together'.

Imagine 'grasping' an idea with your mind, pulling all the parts 'together' (com-) to form a full understanding.

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