comprehendv.
/kɒmprɪˈhɛnd/ I. To seize, grasp, lay hold of, catch.† 1. † b. As a malapropism for apprehend v.† 2. † b. To overtake or attain to (something aimed at); to compass, accomplish. Obsolete.In 1485 perhaps ‘aim, attempt’, or ‘undertake, take in hand’.† 3. absol. To catch hold and grow, as a graft. Obsolete. [So in Latin.]
a. transitive. To lay hold of, to seize, to grasp; to ‘catch’, entrap. Obsolete.[Of late and rare occurrence.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)] > lay hold of or grasp
i-fangc888
gripc950
repeOE
befongOE
keepc1000
latchc1000
hentOE
begripec1175
becatchc1200
fang?c1200
i-gripea1225
warpa1225
fastenc1225
arepa1250
to set (one's) hand(s onc1290
kip1297
cleach?a1300
hendc1300
fasta1325
reachc1330
seizec1374
beclipc1380
takea1387
span1398
to seize on or upon1399
getc1440
handc1460
to catch hold1520
to take hold1530
to lay hold (up)on, of1535
grasple1553
to have by the backa1555
handfast1562
apprehend1572
grapple1582
to clap hold of1583
comprehend1584
graspa1586
attach1590
gripple1591
engrasp1593
clum1594
to seize of1600
begriple1607
fast hold1611
impalm1611
fista1616
to set (one's) hand to1638
to get one's hands on1649
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > snare, trap, entanglement > entrap, ensnare [verb (transitive)]
shrenchc897
beswike971
betrapa1000
bewindOE
undernimc1175
undertakec1175
bisayc1200
beguile?c1225
catchc1225
beginc1250
biwilea1275
tele?a1300
enginec1300
lime13..
umwrithea1340
engrin1340
oblige1340
belimec1350
enlacec1374
girnc1375
encumber138.
gnarec1380
enwrap1382
briguea1387
snarl1387
upbroid1387
trap1390
entrikea1393
englue1393
gildera1400
aguilec1400
betraisec1400
embrygec1400
snare1401
lacea1425
maska1425
begluec1430
marl1440
supprise?c1450
to prey ona1500
attrap1524
circumvene1526
entangle1526
tangle1526
entrap1531
mesh1532
embrake1542
crawl1548
illaqueate1548
intricate1548
inveigle1551
circumvent1553
felter1567
besnare1571
in trick1572
ensnare1576
overcatch1577
underfong1579
salt1580
entoil1581
comprehend1584
windlassa1586
folda1592
solicit1592
toil1592
bait1600
beset1600
engage1603
benet1604
imbrier1605
ambush1611
inknot1611
enmesha1616
trammela1616
fool1620
pinion1621
aucupate1630
fang1637
surprise1642
underreacha1652
trepan1656
ensnarl1658
stalk1659
irretiate1660
coil1748
nail1766
net1803
to rope in1840
mousetrap1870
spider1891
1584 Cecil in Neal Hist. Purit. (1732) I. 426 The Inquisition of Spain used not so many questions to comprehend and trap their priests.
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar ii. 62 Although thou art almost in the embraces of death, yet thou shalt be comprehended of immortality.
1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 216 They..comprehend the Veins about the throat.
ΚΠ
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing iii. iii. 23 You shall comprehend all vagrom men. View more context for this quotation
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing iii. v. 44 Our watch sir haue indeede comprehended two aspitious persons. View more context for this quotation
a. To overtake, come up with and seize. Obsolete.[A literalism of translation.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > gain (ground) upon > catch up or overtake > and seize
comprehend1382
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > catching or capture > catch or capture [verb (transitive)] > catch by pursuit
atakec1300
comprehend1382
1382 J. Wyclif Philipp. iii. 12 I sue if on ony maner I schal comprehende [L. comprehendam, Gk. καταλάβω] and in what thing I am comprehendid of Crist Jhesu.
1557 Bible (Whittingham) Phil. iii. 12 I folowe, if that I may comprehende that for whose sake I am comprehended of Christ Iesus.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 724 If any man doth begin to follow after either of them..hee is not able to comprehend or attaine them with a horse.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > make a success of [verb (transitive)] > succeed in or achieve a purpose
reacheOE
awinc1000
attain1393
speedc1400
comprehenda1450
escheve1489
to make out1535
consecute1536
compass1549
achievea1569
aspire1581
obtain1589
subdue1590
to go a long (also great, short, etc.) way1624
arrivea1657
kill1899
nail1981
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxxvi. l. 638 Neuere myht Comprehende In Mannes Miht Swich Anothir tombe to Make.
c1485 Mary Magd. in Digby Myst. (1882) 446 Your servant to be, I wold comprehende.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Caecina in Panoplie Epist. 81 For that whiche I was not able to comprehend and performe, I thought good, first not to touche.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Hippocrates in Panoplie Epist. 273 Such..are not sufficient to compasse that, which is in our power to comprehend.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > laboratory analysis > material > [verb (intransitive)] > take (of a graft)
comprendc1374
comprehendc1420
c1420 Pallad. on Husb. iv. 37 Graffyng nygh the grounde Is best, ther easily thai comprehende.
c1420 Pallad. on Husb. v. 46 But first this craffes [grafts] wel must comprehende.
II. To lay hold of with the mind or senses.
4.
a. transitive. To grasp with the mind, conceive fully or adequately, understand, ‘take in’. (Apparently the earliest sense in English.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)]
yknoweOE
acknowOE
anyeteOE
latchc1000
undernimc1000
understandc1000
underyetec1000
afindOE
knowOE
seeOE
onfangc1175
takec1175
underfindc1200
underfonga1300
undertakea1300
kenc1330
gripea1340
comprehend1340
comprendc1374
espyc1374
perceivea1387
to take for ——?1387
catcha1398
conceivea1398
intenda1400
overtakea1400
tenda1400
havec1405
henta1450
comprise1477
skilla1500
brook1548
apprend1567
compass1576
perstanda1577
endue1590
sound1592
engrasp1593
in1603
fathom1611
resent1614
receivea1616
to take up1617
apprehend1631
to take in1646
grasp1680
understumblec1681
forstand1682
savvy1686
overstand1699
uptake1726
nouse1779
twig1815
undercumstand1824
absorb1840
sense1844
undercumstumble1854
seize1855
intelligize1865
dig1935
read1956
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 7463 Þarfor swa many payns tylle þam salle falle Þat na witt may comprehende þam alle.
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. v. iv. 165 [Resoun] comprehendeþ by an vniuersel lokynge þe commune spece [L. speciem] þat is in þe singuler peces.
1401 in T. Wright Polit. Poems & Songs (1859) II. 104 Goddis privy domes man may not comprehende.
1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Catech. Tabil sig. *.iv The artikillis of ye crede can nocht be comprehendit be natural reasone.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. A2v Able to compass & comprehend the greatest matters, & neuerthelesse to touch and apprehend the least. View more context for this quotation
a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1956) VIII. 235 To comprehend is to know a thing as well as that thing can be known.
1755 E. Young Centaur i, in Wks. (1757) IV. 115 Those things which our hands can grasp, our understandings cannot comprehend.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 152 Those..do not comprehend the real nature of the crisis.
1886 J. K. Jerome Idle Thoughts vii Voices are calling us to some great effort..But we do not comprehend their meaning yet.
b. with object clause.
ΚΠ
1547 J. Hooper Declar. Christe viii Mari..could not comprehend how Christ was made man in here bely.
1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xlvi. 172 I cannot comprehend how it can honestly be disputed.
1847 W. H. Prescott Hist. Conquest Peru I. III. v. 417 He perfectly comprehended that the drift of the discourse was to persuade him to resign his sceptre.
1859 J. S. Mill On Liberty iii. 103 The majority..cannot comprehend why those ways should not be good enough for everybody.
c. To understand (a person).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)] > reach understanding of > words or meaning
takec1175
understanda1225
intenda1400
conceive?1526
accept1587
construe1622
to catch a person's drift1821
comprehend1860
to get on to ——1880
read1956
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxiv. 171 I expressed a hope that he did comprehend me.
1886 M. F. Sheldon tr. G. Flaubert Salammbô 16 Without comprehending her, the soldiers crowded around her.
5. To grasp, take in, or apprehend with the senses, esp. sight. [ < Latin comprehendere visu.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > [verb (transitive)]
fredec888
haveeOE
yfeeleOE
feelc1175
perceivec1330
comprehendc1374
find?a1425
perceiver1495
to take up1607
sensatea1652
percept1652
to suck ina1661
sense1661
appreciate1787
absorb1840
sensize1861
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. v. iv. 164 Þe touchinge cliuiþ and conioigneþ to þe rounde body and..comprehendiþ by parties þe roundenesse.
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. v. iv. 164 Þe wit comprehendiþ..þe figure of þe body of þe man þat is establissed in þe matere subiect.
1733 A. Pope Ess. Man i. 222 What the advantage, if his finer eyes Study a Mite, not comprehend the Skies?
1867 W. D. Howells Ital. Journeys iii. 14 The vision of Tasso could..comprehend the lady at her casement in the castle.
III. To take in, comprise, include, contain.† 6. To lay hold of all the points of (any thing) and include them within the compass of a description or expression; to embrace or describe summarily; summarize; sum up. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > describe [verb (transitive)] > sum up
comprehendc1369
concludec1405
resume?a1425
recapitle?a1439
recapitule1489
comprisea1533
recapitulate1556
compendiate1614
anacephalize1654
subsumea1677
summarize1808
sum-totalize1837
recap1911
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > summary or epitome > summarize or abridge [verb (transitive)]
abrevya1325
comprehendc1369
abridgec1384
shorta1390
suma1398
abbreviate?a1475
shorten1530
to cut short?1542
curtail1553
to knit up1553
to wind up1583
clip1598
epitomize1599
brief1601
contract1604
to shut up1622
decurt1631
to sum up1642
breviate1663
curtilate1665
compendize1693
epitomate1702
to gather up1782
summarize1808
scissor1829
précis1856
to cut down1857
to boil down1880
synopsize1882
essence1888
résumé1888
short copy1891
bovrilize1900
pot1927
summate1951
capsulize1958
profile1970
c1369 G. Chaucer Bk. Duchesse 903 I haue no wytte that kan suffyse To comprehende hir beautie.
c1374 G. Chaucer Anelida & Arcite 83 And shortly if she shal be comprehended, In her ne mighte no-thing been amended.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Dan. vii. 1 The visioun..he wrytynge comprehendide in short word.
1611 Bible (King James) Rom. xiii. 9.
1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 55 All preceptes concerning kinges, are in effect comprehended in those two remembrances.
7.
a. To include or comprise in a treatise or discourse: now more usually said of the book, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > condition or state of being inclusive > be included in something [verb (intransitive)]
comprehendc1384
comprisec1425
incur1536
come1577
befall1647
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > condition or state of being inclusive > include [verb (transitive)] > in a treatise or discourse
comprehendc1384
comprisec1425
society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > be the author of or write (a work) [verb (transitive)] > present by literary treatment > include or comprise
comprehendc1530
society > leisure > the arts > literature > a written composition > be composed [verb (transitive)] > of composition: include or comprise
comprehend1599
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 2 Macc. ii. 24 To abregge in to oo boke, thingus comprehendid of Jason of Cyrenen in fyue bokis.
1443 in J. Raine Testamenta Eboracensia (1855) II. 132 A some of mone that is comprehend in my wyll.
c1530 Egyngecourte 366 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. II. 107 In this boke I cannot comprehende..ye sege of Rone.
1599 R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (new ed.) II. (title page) The second Volvme comprehendeth the Voyages, Trafficks..of the English Nation..to the Islands of the Açores, of Porto Santo, [etc.].
1709 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1886) II. 252 'Tis a most pernicious Book, comprehending several strange Doctrines.
1808 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 19 267 The fourth chapter comprehends; 1st, The chief affections, etc.
b. To include in scope, application, or meaning.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > condition or state of being inclusive > include [verb (transitive)] > include in its scope
comprehendc1386
overlaya1400
sweep1692
cover1793
involve1847
c1386 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale ⁋447 In þe name of þi neighboure is comprehended his enemye.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. LLLiiii Comprehendyng..in our prayer all the churche of christianite.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 3 These two..though they be both comprehended vnder one name.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxvii. 154 Poore, obscure, and simple men, comprehended under the name of the Vulgar.
1717 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) III. 38 Their..Circumstances are not Comprehended within the terms of his Majesties Proclamacon.
1863 C. Lyell Geol. Evid. Antiq. Man 6 A single term to comprehend both divisions of the..period.
c. To include in the same category.
ΚΠ
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) II. xv. 303 Far from comprehending him or his sister in their father's misconduct. View more context for this quotation
8.
a. Of a space, period, or amount: To take in, contain, comprise, include.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)]
holdc1000
takec1175
keep1340
harbour1362
containa1382
comprehend1393
comprise1483
carry1517
house1542
refrain1542
to fetch in1565
enharbour1596
inhold1614
reserve1614
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > condition or state of being inclusive > include [verb (transitive)]
comprehend1393
includec1475
comprise1651
embrace1697
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 117 The signes..Eche after other..The zodiaque comprehendeth Within his cercle.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Chron. ii. 6 The heauens of all heauens maye not comprehende him.
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises i. v. f. 7 You shall finde that 5. is comprehended in 48. 9. times.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. I2 The age, which passed..comprehending a succession of sixe Sciences [erratum: Princes].
1675 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Odysses iv As much as both his hands could comprehend.
1734 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. I. 1 Egypt comprehended anciently..a prodigious number of cities.
1878 B. Stewart & P. G. Tait Unseen Universe ii. §86. 96 The visible universe cannot comprehend the whole works of God.
b. transferred and figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > incorporation or inclusion > incorporate or include [verb (transitive)]
beclipc1230
beshut1340
contain1340
comprehendc1374
continue1377
begripe1393
close1393
incorpor1398
conceive?c1400
includec1475
engrossa1500
complect1523
conclude?1523
employ1528
to take in1534
retain1577
surmise1578
imprehend1590
immerse1605
comprise1651
involve1651
complexa1657
embrace1697
incorporate1824
embody1847
cover1868
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iii. 1638 As muche ioye as herte may comprehende.
1642 tr. J. Perkins Profitable Bk. iv. §261. 117 Every exchange comprehends in it a condition.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 505 Enjoy Your fill what happiness this happie state Can comprehend . View more context for this quotation
1713 R. Steele in Guardian 12 Mar. 2/2 All Sorrows..are comprehended in the Sense of Guilt and Pain.
a1854 H. Reed Lect. Brit. Poets (1857) ii. 77 The higher works of art comprehend a fund of intellectual interest inexhaustible.
9.
a. To enclose or include in or within limits.
ΚΠ
c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. (MS. A.) 123 Þe..drie pelewe..schal comprehende þe tweie wete & bynde hem faste.
c1400 Three Kings Cologne 55 Seynt Elene comprehendide þis hille of Caluarie and þe sepulcre of Crist and oþer holy plaas in one faire chirche.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prov. xxx. A Who hath comprehended ye waters in a garment?
1619 M. Drayton Legend Pierce Gaueston in Poems (new ed.) 364 Some swelling Sourse (Whose plentie none can comprehend in bounds).
1662 T. Brooks Wks. II. 178 As able to comprehend the sea in a cockle~shell.
1781 J. Moore View Soc. Italy (1790) I. vii. 73 To comprehend it within their dominions.
b. figurative. To include in a measurement or estimate; to take into account.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > condition or state of being inclusive > include [verb (transitive)] > in a measurement or estimate
comprehendc1660
c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1643 (1955) II. 86 The Church was..80 [foote] in height without comprehending the cover.
1791 E. Burke Appeal New to Old Whigs 19 We mean to comprehend in our calculation both the value of the thing parted with, and the value of the thing received in exchange.
10.
a. To contain as a line or surface; to encompass; esp. in Geometry.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surrounding > surround or lie around [verb (transitive)] > as a line or surface
comprehend1535
the world > relative properties > number > geometry > line > linearize [verb (transitive)] > contain
comprehend1535
encompass1660
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Chron. iv. 3 A metelyne of thirtie cubites mighte comprehende it aboute.
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. i. f. 4 Vnder lesse then three lines, can no figure be comprehended.
1571 T. Digges in L. Digges's Geom. Pract.: Pantometria xxiii. sig. E e ij Icosaedrons comprehendyng cubes side is double in power to his comprehended Octaedrons side.
1717 G. Berkeley Jrnls. Trav. Italy 21 Jan. in Wks. (1955) VII. 262 There was some external wall that comprehended both rows of pillars.
1764 T. Reid Inq. Human Mind vi. §9, in Wks. (1863) I. 147/2 The visible angle comprehended under two visible right lines.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 153 The upright pieces..which comprehend the panels.
b. To enclose or have within it; to contain; to lie around. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > enclose [verb (transitive)]
beloukOE
pind?c1225
closec1275
beshuta1300
to shut about13..
umbclosec1330
to close about1340
aclosec1350
in close1393
enclose?a1400
tinec1400
concludea1425
includec1425
wallc1430
underclosec1440
inclusea1450
hedgec1500
lista1513
inrail1523
interclude1524
fence1535
parclose1535
riba1547
pale1570
impale1579
embay1582
immure1583
upclosec1590
enchase1591
interclose1592
recinct1598
underfong1599
intermure1606
bound1609
engirt1627
bosom1637
infence1652
cancellate1664
circumclude1677
embosomc1750
comprehend1807
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 10 A flat grauestone, comprehending the name of the defunct.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 183 Full of golden coloured Cloues..each of which comprehends a white bone.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. 2 The Air, comprehending the Earth.
1807 G. Chalmers Caledonia I. i. ii. 80 A stone coffin, comprehending a human skeleton.
IV. Other uses.† 11. ? To take (together). Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
c1485 Digby Myst., Mary Magd. 412 We are ryth glad we haue yow here Ower covnsell togethyr to comprehend.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
<
v.1340