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.
Thank whatever god responsible that never happened, because the devastation of dropping just one nuke would be so horrendous that we can barely comprehend it.
From Salon • May 8, 2026
I was 10 at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, too young to comprehend the political climate but keenly aware of the fear that gripped the nation.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
"I always believe in forgiveness, but I cannot comprehend how such a selfish act should be forgiven," said his daughter Kate, adding her father's death "was completely avoidable."
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
The exciting and the scary part of artificial intelligence is there are things the human brain will not be able to comprehend.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
It is impossible for contemporary Americans to fully comprehend what it meant to live under a system in which some individuals had absolute power over others.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
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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