How to pronounce comprehend
Say it like kom-pree-HEND. Comprehend has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (HEND).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce comprehend. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kom
- pree
- HEND
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Comprehend pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- komGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- preeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- HENDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of comprehend
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: kom-prih-HEND.
What does comprehend mean?
- get the meaning of something“Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?”
- to become aware of through the senses“I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon”
- include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory“This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds”“this should cover everyone in the group”
Where does comprehend come from?
From Middle English comprehenden, from Latin comprehendere (“to grasp”), from the prefix com- + prehendere (“to seize”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with comprehend
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of comprehend.
Questions about saying comprehend
How do you pronounce comprehend?
Say kom-pree-HEND. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑmpriˈhɛnd/. In British English it is /kɒmprɪˈhɛnd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in comprehend?
Comprehend has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (HEND). Broken into parts: kom · pree · HEND.
Is comprehend pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /kɒmprɪˈhɛnd/ (kom-prih-HEND).