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

Example Sentences

“In the U.S. because we don’t have a comprehensive federal privacy law ... it falls to the state level,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Her announcement, however, underscores her commitment to advancing comprehensive food policy reform during her final term in office and could spur some progress on the essential legislation.

From Salon

“She’s a woman who is just as American as anyone else,” said De León, who went on to blast Congress for failing to pass comprehensive immigration laws.

From Los Angeles Times

The city is long overdue for a comprehensive plan that outlines infrastructure needs and costs, including for regular maintenance and improvements to public works, such as bus shelters, landscaped medians and protected bike lanes.

From Los Angeles Times

By combining data from arthroscopy, widely considered the gold standard for diagnosing pathology of knee abnormalities, researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis and identified 12 common types of knee abnormalities in these patients.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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