English · Culture & Society

comprehension

/ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən/

[/ˌkɒm.prɪˈhɛn.ʃən/]

understanding of text

Intermediatenoun

Definition

Comprehension is the ability to understand what you read or hear. Comprehension exercises test how well students grasp a text.

Example

The reading comprehension was about a famous scientist.

The reading comprehension was about a famous scientist.

Etymology

From Latin 'comprehensio' meaning a grasping.

How & Where It’s Used

A common exam section testing understanding of passages.

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