Words / C1

GRAHSP/ɡrɑːsp/

To grasp is to understand fully, or to take and hold: grasp a point, grasp the rail. Understand is everyday; grip (this batch’s neighbour as a noun in other lists) is hold. Grasp as a noun is understanding (a firm grasp of statistics). Do not write grasp for a vague familiarity.

Meaning

To understand something fully, or to take and hold it firmly.

Examples

• “He finally grasped why the sample size wrecked the claim.”
• “Once she grasped the sampling rule, the rest of the chapter was arithmetic.”
• “A grasp of the safety brief is the noun; grasping a handle is the physical twin.”

Good to know

Understand fully / hold firmly. Noun: a grasp of + subject. Everyday: understand. Physical: hold. Not “have heard of”.

Near in meaning

understand

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