List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 17

SYNONYMS: apprehend, comprehend, understand, grasp.
These verbs are compared as they denote perception of the nature and significance of something.

Apprehend can imply awareness or consciousness that comes through the emotions or senses: We should not pretend to understand the world only by the intellect; we apprehend it just as much by feeling. Apprehend also denotes taking in with the mind: Intelligence is quickness to apprehend.
Both comprehend and understand stress complete realization and knowledge: To comprehend is to know a thing as well as that thing can be known. No one who has not had the responsibility can really understand what it is like to be President.
To grasp is to seize and hold an idea firmly: We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount.