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

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

The researchers did not select the drug at random: this study followed comprehensive analyses of genome data in order to find starting points for repurposing established drugs.

From Science Daily

This research underscores the need for comprehensive reforms in pesticide regulations to ensure the protection of all pollinator species, particularly those nesting in agricultural soils.

From Science Daily

The fact that Carsley was able to engineer two such comprehensive wins with a squad depleted by those nine withdrawals will only add to his personal stock, along with both his and the FA's satisfaction.

From BBC

Related Words

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