Comprehend vs. Understand
ADVERTISEMENT
Difference Between Comprehend and Understand
Comprehendverb
To include, comprise; to contain.
Understandverb
(transitive) To be aware of the meaning of.
I understand German.I received your note, but I did not understand it.Comprehendverb
To understand or grasp fully and thoroughly.
Understandverb
To believe, based on information.
I understand that you have information for me.Comprehendverb
get the meaning of something;
Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?Understandverb
To impute meaning, character etc. that is not explicitly stated.
But we cannot disappoint Grandma and Grandpa Smith, and that is what family is all about! Do you understand?!In this sense, the word is usually used in the past participle:ADVERTISEMENT
Comprehendverb
to become aware of through the senses;
I could perceive the ship coming over the horizonUnderstandverb
To stand under; to support.
Comprehendverb
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory;
This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgroundsthis should cover everyone in the groupUnderstandverb
One who supports others in such performances as the human pyramid.
Understandverb
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of;
She did not understand her husbandI understand what she meansUnderstandverb
perceive (an idea or situation) mentally;
Now I see!I just can't see your pointDoes she realize how important this decision is?I don't understand the ideaADVERTISEMENT
Understandverb
make sense of a language;
She understands FrenchCan you read Greek?Understandverb
believe to be the case;
I understand you have no previous experience?Understandverb
be understanding of;
You don't need to explain--I understand!
