Comprehensive

Definition

Comprehensive is an adjective that describes something that is thorough, complete, and covers all or nearly all elements or aspects of a particular subject or area. It implies a broad scope and detailed understanding.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/
• Respelling: kahm-pri-HEN-siv

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/
• Respelling: kom-pri-HEN-siv

The pronunciation of "comprehensive" is very similar in both American and British English, with a slight variation in the vowel sound of the first syllable.

Etymology

The word "comprehensive" comes from the Late Latin "comprehensivus," which means "able to include or embrace." This is derived from "comprehendere," meaning "to grasp or include," composed of "com-" meaning "together" and "prehendere" meaning "to seize or grasp." The word was first used in English in the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Comprehensiveness (noun)
• Comprehend (verb)
• Comprehensible (adjective)
• Comprehension (noun)
• Comprehensively (adverb)

Synonyms

• Thorough
• Exhaustive
• Inclusive

Antonyms

• Limited
• Incomplete
• Partial

Usage

The adjective "comprehensive" is often used to describe reports, studies, exams, or plans that cover a wide range of information or topics in detail. For example, "The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current economic situation," or "She received a comprehensive education in the sciences."

Related Terms

• Broad: Covering a wide scope or range.
• Inclusive: Including all items or aspects; comprehensive.
• Extensive: Covering a large area; far-reaching.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something: Refers to the quality of being all-encompassing or detailed in scope.
  • Example: "The comprehensive review covered all aspects of the project."
• Relating to understanding or comprehension: Sometimes used to refer to something that aids in the understanding of a subject.
  • Example: "The comprehensive guide made the complex topic easier to grasp."