understand vs comprehend

Bit of a random thread, but I'll go ahead with it nonetheless.

What is the difference between the verbs to understand and to comprehend? There must be something different about them, but I seem to find that I can use either one in the other's place.

Reply 1

steelmole

10

I would say understand can be applied much more widely, whereas I might only use comprehend when linking it in with language, being reading or listening.

They're so close I doubt anyone observes the difference so it's probably quite meaningless.

Reply 2

Crimson Black

13

I can understand that a computer works, but I cannot comprehend how it works?

Reply 3

Emerald

1

I always thought that 'to comprehend' something meant I had a deeper understanding of it...that's how I've always used it anyways.

Reply 4

Slash_GNR

11

Crimson Black

I can understand that a computer works, but I cannot comprehend how it works?

For clarification are you saying that understanding something is like a face value sort of thing. Whereas comprehending is the knowledge of how that something operates?
Bit confuddled :s-smilie:

Reply 5

BibbleJW

12

Crimson Black

I can understand that a computer works, but I cannot comprehend how it works?

No, the difference that you made was in what you were understanding/comprehending.
I can understand that a computer works.
I can comprehend that a computer works.

I can't understand how a computer works.
I can't comprehend how a computer works.

I think that, basically, comprehend indicates a deeper understanding, but, unless the two are used side-by-side in conversation or text, there is no discernable difference.

As far as I am concerence, comprehend is simply less used than understand, so I tend to use it when i want to draw attention to that particular part of a sentence, and to make a point.

Reply 6

Clubber Lang

15

Crimson Black

I can understand that a computer works, but I cannot comprehend how it works?

No, that is understanding 2 different things

--

they pretty much mean the same thing

Reply 7

Absinth

15

I've always thought that "comprehend" was a slightly less common way of saying "understand".

Reply 8

bowdeni

11

My friend used the world comprehend to someone the other day and I started to wonder the difference. Thus this thread is a little freaky.

Reply 9

generalebriety

16

The two mean the same thing. "Comprehend" has roots in Latin, "understand" has roots in German. Exactly the same meaning, only different etymologically. "Comprehend" also has a few other minor meanings which are just incidental (and irrelevant).

People's perceived difference is due to the fact that "comprehend" is rarer, because as English speakers we all naturally prefer Germanic words - they sound more basic and common and everyday, whereas Latin-based words sound posher and more pretentious.

Reply 10

steelmole

10

generalebriety

The two mean the same thing. "Comprehend" has roots in Latin, "understand" has roots in German. Exactly the same meaning, only different etymologically. "Comprehend" also has a few other minor meanings which are just incidental (and irrelevant).

People's perceived difference is due to the fact that "comprehend" is rarer, because as English speakers we all naturally prefer Germanic words - they sound more basic and common and everyday, whereas Latin-based words sound posher and more pretentious.

Our etymologist here hits the nail on the head.

Reply 11

Proffjimbob

I think the difference is a matter of skill vs ability. A misunderstanding is a correctable situation. Something that is incomprehensible is due to the inability or limitation of the subject.

Reply 12

8Bitworld

Ok, so to clear this up. I know its an old post but I found it so it's likely that others will.
Comprehend or to comprehend is to have knowledge of the item referred to. As in I comprehend what he/she is telling me.

Understand in the English language can mean two things to Comprehend or to Stand Under. For instance teacher asks do you understand the question. This most of the time means "do you get it?" But, if a Judge was asking do you understand you have the right to remain silent. These are in fact two different scenarios with the same word. To understand something is to agree to it or stand under, enter into contract, agreement or JURIDICTION. Be careful when you say you understand stuff its much less confusing to say I comprehend.

Also note that once you understand something you are obligated. If you simply say you do not understand then you can not move forward in the agreement or make the contract valid. As for a point of reference please see here.

http://www.otto-graph.com/samples/3/contractlaw.html

Free your mind you are in a matrix!

Reply 13

Revd. Mike

17

This thread is ancient :lolwut:

Reply 14

Mr Inquisitive

16

Original post by Crimson Black

I can understand that a computer works, but I cannot comprehend how it works?

This example works well; it suggests an intricacy of understanding, rather than what's on the surface.

Reply 15

curitibano

Comprehension is knowing what to do about/with understanding.
Understanding is being able to process information correctly. Comprehension knows what the implications of that understanding are.

When asked “Do you understand?” you are being asked whether you could semantically and syntactically follow what was said.
When asked “Do you comprehend?” you are being asked “Do you get it?”.

To understand when someone yells “Fire!” you are able to process the meaning g of the word fire, that it was yelled and that it seemed to have some importance related to it.
To comprehend when someone yells “Fire!” you immediately start looking for an exit or a means to fight the fire.

Reply 16

tinkilechat

1

Original post by generalebriety

The two mean the same thing. "Latin-based words sound posher and more pretentious.

Because using a particular language is "pretentious" ?! To care about picking words carefully to express one's ideas the more accurate way possible is "PRETENTIOUS" ???Oh I see... you are one of this kind of ****ers that vilifies those who don't speak according to the mundane NORMALITY...

Please, do the world a favor and kill yourself + go rot in hell, boyo.

Reply 17

Jim56

1

My wife doesn’t understand me, moaned the drinker at the bar.
My wife doesn’t comprehend me, said his friend. Her English is not very good.

(edited 6 years ago)

understand vs comprehend

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