Words / B1

kompr-i-HENSHUN/ˌkɒmprɪˈhenʃn/

Comprehension is the ability to understand, and also an exam paper that tests reading or listening. Understanding is the everyday twin; comprehend is the verb (already in the dictionary). Papers: the listening comprehension is twenty minutes, not the writing paper.

Meaning

The ability to understand; also an exam paper that tests reading.

Examples

• “The listening comprehension is twenty minutes, not the writing paper.”
• “Reading comprehension is a skill; a comprehension is also the worksheet.”

Good to know

reading / listening comprehension. Everyday: understanding. Verb: comprehend. JCQ / Cambridge exams. Uncountable skill; countable papers.

Near in meaning

understanding

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