comprehensive

The word “comprehensive” means covering something completely or including nearly all relevant parts. In plain terms, thorough and complete, leaving little or nothing out.

“Comprehensive” is pronounced kom-prih-HEHN-sihv (/ˌkɑm.pɹəˈhɛn.sɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “comprehensive” used in a sentence: “The report offers a comprehensive overview of the industry.”

The opposite of “comprehensive” — its antonyms — are incomprehensive, focused and limited.

“Comprehensive” is an adjective.

The word “comprehensive” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin comprehensivus, from Latin comprehendere — see "comprehend.".

“Comprehensive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

"Comprehensive" means covering something completely or including nearly all relevant parts, as in "a comprehensive guide." "Comprehensible" means able to be understood. The two look similar but are not interchangeable: a comprehensive report is thorough, while a comprehensible report is easy to understand.

"Comprehensive" stresses completeness — including nearly everything relevant — while "extensive" stresses size or range, meaning large in amount or area. An extensive study covers a lot of ground; a comprehensive study covers essentially all of it.

Use "comprehensive" for things like guides, surveys, reviews, and insurance policies, where the point is that nearly all relevant parts are included. "Complete" simply means nothing is missing, while "comprehensive" adds the sense of deliberately wide, thorough coverage.

Frequent pairings include "comprehensive guide," "comprehensive review," "comprehensive list," "comprehensive coverage," and "comprehensive insurance." In British English, "comprehensive school" refers to a state school that admits pupils of all abilities.