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.
“The loss of so many young lives is difficult to comprehend, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families, friends, classmates, loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event,” police wrote.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
To fully comprehend the Jacob Misiorowski Experience, just take a look at one of his outings from last week.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 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
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
“You cannot even begin to comprehend the things that go on behind your back. That have always gone on behind your back before any of this even started.”
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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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