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comprehensive
/ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/
complete and thorough
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market trends.
The report covers all important aspects of market trends in detail.
formal
Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
The university offers a comprehensive range of courses.
The university provides a wide variety of courses covering many subjects.
She gave a comprehensive overview of the project's progress.
She explained all key points of the project's progress in detail.
Often used to describe plans, reports, or studies that cover all necessary parts.
formal
Understanding or grasping something fully.
His comprehensive understanding of the subject impressed the panel.
His deep and complete grasp of the subject amazed the panel.
Used to describe a person's deep knowledge or understanding.
Collocations
comprehensive reviewa detailed examination of somethingcomprehensive plana detailed strategy covering all aspectscomprehensive insuranceinsurance that covers a wide range of risks
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
Don't use 'completely comprehensive'—'comprehensive' already implies completeness. Similarly, 'very comprehensive' is unnecessary.
Gold Rule
Use for thoroughness
Use 'comprehensive' when something covers all aspects of a topic, not just most of them.
Word Origin
From Latin *comprehensivus*, from *comprehendere* meaning 'to grasp together' (com- 'together' + prehendere 'to seize'). Entered English in the mid-17th century.
Usage Notes
Used to emphasize that something covers all necessary parts without omission. Common in academic, business, and technical contexts.
Word Breakdown
com-
together, with
prefixprehens-
to grasp
root-ive
having the quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary