comprehensive

[kom-pri-hen-siv] /ˌkɒm prɪˈhɛn sɪv/
adjective
1.
of large scope; covering or involving much; inclusive:
a comprehensive study of world affairs.
2.
comprehending mentally; having an extensive mental range or grasp.
3.
Insurance. covering or providing broad protection against loss.
noun
4.
Often, comprehensives. Also called comprehensive examination. an examination of extensive coverage given to measure a student's general progress, proficiency in his or her major field of study, or the like.
5.
the detailed layout of an advertisement, showing placement of photographs, illustrations, copy, etc., as for presentation to a client.
Compare visual (def 7).
Origin
1605-15; < Late Latin comprehēnsīvus. See comprehension, -ive
Related forms
comprehensively, adverb
comprehensiveness, noun
noncomprehensive, adjective
noncomprehensively, adverb
noncomprehensiveness, noun
precomprehensive, adjective
precomprehensively, adverb
precomprehensiveness, noun
quasi-comprehensive, adjective
quasi-comprehensively, adverb
uncomprehensive, adjective
uncomprehensively, adverb
uncomprehensiveness, noun
Can be confused
comprehensible, comprehensive.
Synonyms
1. broad, wide, extensive, full.
Examples from the web for comprehensive
  • His wide-sweeping satirical purpose requires a comprehensive display of human ignorance, folly, and iniquity.
  • They completed a comprehensive and respectful makeover in four months on a limited budget.
  • Exceptionally comprehensive information, with an emphasis on safety.
  • In addition to the exhibition, there is also an illustrated companion book and a comprehensive online version of the exhibition.
  • As is the case with all lists, this is by no means comprehensive or definitive.
  • We should be working on comprehensive immigration reform right now.
  • comprehensive information about infectious diseases and infectious-disease research.
  • We truly feel that this has to be a comprehensive approach.
  • No such comprehensive theory exists for granular gases--collections of larger particles such as dust grains in space.
  • The solar laminates are only one element in a comprehensive building-integrated system for conserving energy.
British Dictionary definitions for comprehensive

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
5.
short for comprehensive school
Derived Forms
comprehensively, adverb
comprehensiveness, noun
Word Origin and History for comprehensive
adj.

"containing much," 1610s, from French comprehénsif, from Late Latin comprehensivus, from comprehens-, past participle stem of Latin comprehendere (see comprehend). Related: Comprehensively (mid-15c.); comprehensiveness.

comprehensive in Technology


An early system on MIT's Whirlwind.
[Listed in CACM 2(5):16, May 1959].
(2002-06-03)