Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌæprɪˈhɛnsɪbəl/

Definitions

1. Capable of being understood or grasped mentally.
2. Easy to perceive, recognize, or comprehend.
3. Clear enough to be mentally grasped or interpreted.

Usage Examples

• The instructions were simple and apprehensible to all the students.
• Her explanation made the complex issue seem more apprehensible.
• With practice, the once confusing rules became apprehensible to the team.

Etymology

From the Latin word "apprehensibilis," meaning "able to be seized or understood," derived from "apprehendere" (to grasp, seize). The adjective was formed with the suffix "-ible," indicating capability.

Synonyms

• Understandable
• Clear
• Comprehensible
• Intelligible
• Lucid

Antonyms

• Unclear
• Confusing
• Incomprehensible
• Ambiguous
• Obscure

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

While the pronunciation remains largely consistent across English-speaking regions, slight variations can be observed in accents. For instance, in American English, speakers may emphasize different syllables compared to British English speakers.

Historical Usage

The term "apprehensible" has been in use since the 17th century, reflecting the evolving philosophical and educational discussions on the nature of understanding and knowledge acquisition. It has primarily been used in contexts related to clarity of communication.

Cultural Nuances

In educational and academic contexts, the concept of apprehensibility is closely tied to the methods used to present information. A subject is often considered apprehensible when it can be clearly explained in a way that is accessible to the intended audience. In different cultures, there may be varying standards for what is considered sufficiently apprehensible based on the expected background knowledge of the audience.

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