thoroughly comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

"thoroughly comprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you fully understand something. For example, "I thoroughly comprehend the concept of interdependence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

One prim footnote reads: "We do not thoroughly comprehend the author's drift in the foregoing paragraph, but are inclined to think its tone reprehensible, and its tendency impolitic in the present stage of our national difficulties".

The New York Times

Since the tire is the only element of the vehicle that contacts the icy road, it is crucial to thoroughly comprehend the friction mechanism at the tire ice interface for improved tires and safety systems for icy roads.

Journal of Terramechanics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Taking into account the preliminary versions that each team produced, the country case studies were all read in their entirety several times, an essential process for thoroughly comprehending and analyzing their content.

BMC Health Services Research

which Will help the student thoroughly to comprehend hira.

Columbia University

The classics of the time were to be memorized completely and comprehended thoroughly before being cited.

Wikipedia

"It is not permissible to quote a verse, or part of a verse, without thoroughly considering and comprehending everything that the Qur'an and Hadith relate about that point," the letter notes, undermining the group's legal theory.

Vice

Their concern is that prolonged use of the internet with its smorgasbord of tantalising titbits of information is producing a generation of magpie minds, as users hop from one bright trinket to another, rarely focussing long enough on any one topic to comprehend it thoroughly.

The Economist

After he had heard [Aristotle's] Ethics many times, comprehending it so thoroughly that his teachers found him hard to cope with in disputation, he studied the Politics assiduously.…Indeed, it may be said of him that he was the first of the Signori who took up philosophy and had knowledge of the same.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this serious-minded and meticulously detailed book, Brody is too forgiving of some of Godard's later, lesser work, but his urge to assess it thoroughly seems to spring from a heartfelt desire to comprehend this complicated and, by most accounts, thoroughly disagreeable man.

The New York Times - Books

By thoroughly explaining and documenting each step, it is easy for a person without prior experience to comprehend and follow this protocol rather than attempt to run or even develop it on his/her own.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

I can comprehend that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly comprehend" when you want to emphasize a complete and in-depth understanding of a complex topic or idea. It is appropriate for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly comprehend" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "fully understand" or "get it" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly comprehend" functions as an adverb-verb combination, where the adverb "thoroughly" modifies the verb "comprehend". As Ludwig AI points out, this highlights a complete and deep understanding. The examples show its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thoroughly comprehend" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating a complete and deep understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare, it finds its place in formal and scientific contexts. When choosing whether to use the phrase, consider the level of formality required. In casual situations, simpler alternatives like "fully understand" may be more appropriate. However, in academic or technical writing, "thoroughly comprehend" emphasizes the depth of understanding you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully understand

Replaces "thoroughly comprehend" with a more common synonym emphasizing complete understanding.

understand comprehensively

Replaces "thoroughly" with its adverbial synonym, "comprehensively".

deeply understand

Emphasizes the depth of understanding, similar to "thoroughly".

completely grasp

Uses "grasp" instead of "comprehend", implying a firm understanding of the subject.

comprehend in full

Inverts the structure while maintaining the same core meaning.

have a complete understanding

Rephrases the verb-adverb combination into a noun phrase.

fathom completely

Uses "fathom" as a synonym for "comprehend", suggesting a deep understanding.

totally appreciate

Shifts the focus to appreciation as a form of deep understanding.

master completely

Indicates achieving a level of mastery through complete understanding.

get a handle on

An idiomatic expression implying gaining control through understanding.

FAQs

What does "thoroughly comprehend" mean?

The phrase "thoroughly comprehend" means to completely and deeply understand something. It implies a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.

How can I use "thoroughly comprehend" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly comprehend" in sentences like, "Before making a decision, it's crucial to "fully understand" all the implications" or "The professor expected students to "completely grasp" the theories discussed in class".

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly comprehend"?

Alternatives include "fully understand", "completely grasp", or "deeply understand". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "thoroughly comprehend" formal or informal?

"Thoroughly comprehend" is generally considered more formal than simpler alternatives like "get it" or "understand". It is suitable for academic, professional, or technical writing.