Comprehending
/ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛndɪŋ/
verbpresent participleB2present participle
Definition
Comprehending is the action of fully understanding information, ideas, or language. It means you know what something means and can think about it clearly. It is more than just hearing or reading words; it means you get the full meaning.
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See It in Action
Understanding something fully or clearly
- •She is comprehending the instructions after reading them twice.
- •Comprehending a new language takes time and practice.
- •The child is comprehending the story better than before.
Grasping complex ideas or information
- •Scientists are comprehending the effects of climate change more each year.
- •Comprehending advanced math requires strong focus.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'comprehending' like 'understanding' (A2 word), but deeper and clearer—knowing not just the words, but the full idea
- ✓Picture a student reading a book and suddenly everything makes sense in their mind, like a light turning on
- ✓It's the feeling when a difficult problem becomes clear and you say 'Ah, I get it now!'
- ✓Sounds like 'come-pre-HEN-ding' → imagine a big hand (like a hen’s claw) holding and holding an idea tightly so it doesn’t escape
- ✓Think of a teacher explaining something slowly until the student is comprehending every part
- ✓NOT like 'hearing' (just sounds) or 'reading' (just words on paper)—comprehending means you really know the meaning inside your head
- ✓NOT like 'guessing' (uncertain)—comprehending means you are sure and clear about the meaning
Try Other Words
- •Grasping: meaning understanding or holding an idea firmly (Use when emphasizing holding the idea clearly in mind)
- •Understanding: knowing the meaning or idea (Use in everyday situations for general knowledge)
- •Getting: informal word for understanding (Use in casual speech or writing)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'com-' (together, fully) + 'prehend' (to grasp, take) + '-ing' (present participle ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'comprehendere,' meaning to seize or grasp completely
- •Historical development: Originally meant to physically grasp something; later used for mental grasp or understanding
- •Modern usage: Used to describe the mental action of fully understanding language, ideas, or situations
Reflect & Connect
•What helps you most when comprehending difficult ideas or texts?
•Can you think of a time when you thought you understood something but later realized you were only guessing, not comprehending?
Fill in the blanks
1.When comprehending a new language, it is important to ___ the grammar and vocabulary carefully.
2.She was comprehending the story better after the teacher ___ the difficult parts.
3.Comprehending complex ideas often requires ___ attention and practice.
4.Unlike just hearing words, comprehending means you ___ the full meaning inside your mind.
5.When someone is comprehending, they usually ask ___ questions to check their understanding.
6.Comprehending a joke can be difficult if you ___ the cultural background.
7.The student was comprehending the math problem, so they could ___ the correct answer.