Comprehension

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

UK: /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən/

US: /ˌkɑːm.prəˈhɛn.ʃən/

Definitions

• The ability to understand something.
• The act or process of grasping meaning, nature, or importance.
• A test evaluating one's ability to understand written or spoken language.

Usage Examples

• Her comprehension of the subject improved with practice.
• The reading comprehension test was quite challenging.

Etymology

From Latin comprehensio, meaning "a seizing, understanding," from comprehendere ("to grasp, seize, comprehend").

Synonyms

• Understanding
• Grasp
• Perception
• Awareness

Antonyms

• Misunderstanding
• Confusion
• Ignorance

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən/
• American English: /ˌkɑːm.prəˈhɛn.ʃən/
• Australian English: /ˌkɒm.prəˈhɛn.ʃən/
• Indian English: /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən/

Historical Usage

The word ‘comprehension’ has been in use since the 14th century, primarily referring to intellectual grasp and understanding. Over time, its usage expanded into educational and linguistic contexts.

Cultural Nuances

Comprehension is often associated with education, particularly in reading and listening skills. In different cultures, comprehension tests are widely used to assess language proficiency.

More Information

Comprehension plays a vital role in learning, communication, and problem-solving. It is a fundamental skill in education, particularly in language acquisition. In cognitive science, comprehension is studied to understand how humans process and retain information. Many standardized tests measure comprehension to evaluate academic performance.