comprehension — the ability to understand something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the ability to understand something
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhenʃn/
Example Sentences
- My cat's comprehension of quantum physics is surprisingly low.
- The student's reading comprehension improved dramatically after summer camp.
- His comprehension of the instructions was so poor that he built a bookshelf instead of a table.
comprehension
NOUN[/ˌkɑːmprɪˈhenʃn/]
the ability to understand something
The student's comprehension of the math problem improved after the teacher's explanation.
After reading the book twice, her comprehension of every chapter became complete. (COMPLETE + APPREHENSION → complete understanding of an idea)
Good comprehension began with attention and led to better retention.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'comprehendere' meaning 'to grasp or seize together,' composed of 'com-' (together) and 'prehendere' (to seize or grasp). The word entered Middle English through Old French and has retained its core meaning of grasping or understanding something mentally.
Breakdown
com- (together) + pre- (before/forth) + -hend- (grasp/seize) + -sion (noun suffix) = comprehension
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat's comprehension of quantum physics is surprisingly low.”
“The student's reading comprehension improved dramatically after summer camp.”
“His comprehension of the instructions was so poor that he built a bookshelf instead of a table.”
“Language comprehension develops rapidly in early childhood.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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