comprehensive

[ kom-pri-hen-siv ]

adjective

1. of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive:

   a comprehensive study of world affairs.

   Synonyms: full, extensive, wide, broad

2. comprehending or thoroughly understanding with one's mind; having an extensive mental range or grasp, as of a particular subject or many subjects.
3. Insurance. covering or providing broad protection against loss.

noun

1. none comprehensives. Also called comprehensive examination. Informal, none comps. an examination of extensive coverage given to measure a student's general progress, proficiency in their major field of study, or the like.
2. the detailed layout of an advertisement, showing placement of photographs, illustrations, copy, etc., as for presentation to a client. Compare visual ( def 7 ).

comprehensive

/ ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. of broad scope or content; including all or much
2. (of a car insurance policy) providing protection against most risks, including third-party liability, fire, theft, and damage
3. having the ability to understand
4. of, relating to, or being a comprehensive school

noun

1. short for comprehensive school

Derived Forms

• ˌcompreˈhensively, adverb
• ˌcompreˈhensiveness, noun

Other Words From

• compre·hensive·ly adverb
• compre·hensive·ness noun
• noncom·pre·hensive adjective
• noncom·pre·hensive·ly adverb
• noncom·pre·hensive·ness noun
• precom·pre·hensive adjective
• precom·pre·hensive·ly adverb
• precom·pre·hensive·ness noun
• quasi-compre·hensive adjective
• quasi-compre·hensive·ly adverb
• uncom·pre·hensive adjective
• uncom·pre·hensive·ly adverb
• uncom·pre·hensive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of comprehensive¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin comprehēnsīvus; comprehension, -ive

Related Words

• all-inclusive
• broad
• complete
• encyclopedic
• exhaustive
• extensive
• far-reaching
• full
• global
• overall
• sweeping
• thorough