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0 English - Monolingual Dictionary

Grasp

ɡræsp
Very common
~ 1500
~ 1500, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
to understand something intellectually; to comprehend, to hold something firmly with your hands, to seize or take hold of something abruptly, to perceive or apprehend something mentally

Grasp - Meanings

to understand something intellectually; to comprehend

Example: She struggled to grasp the concept of quantum physics.
Usage: formalContext: academic discussions, professional settings
Note: This meaning is often used in educational or technical contexts.

to hold something firmly with your hands

Example: He grasped the handle of the door and pulled it open.
Usage: neutralContext: everyday situations
Note: This meaning is more literal and refers to physically holding onto something.

to seize or take hold of something abruptly

Example: The police officer grasped the suspect by the arm.
Usage: formalContext: legal or law enforcement contexts
Note: This meaning implies a sudden or forceful action.

to perceive or apprehend something mentally

Example: She quickly grasped the implications of the new policy.
Usage: neutralContext: business meetings, problem-solving discussions
Note: This meaning is similar to 'understand' but with a focus on quick comprehension.

Grasp's synonyms

understand

To grasp something means to understand or comprehend it.
Example: She took a moment to understand the concept.
Note: Understanding implies a deeper level of comprehension compared to simply grasping.

comprehend

To comprehend is to grasp the meaning or significance of something.
Example: It took him a while to comprehend the complexity of the situation.
Note: Comprehending involves a more thorough understanding than just grasping.

grasp hold of

To grasp hold of something means to physically seize or grip it.
Example: He grasped hold of the rope to pull himself up.
Note: This synonym adds a physical action of holding onto something compared to just mentally understanding.

get a handle on

To get a handle on something means to gain control or understanding of it.
Example: She struggled to get a handle on the new software program.
Note: This synonym emphasizes gaining control or mastery over a situation or concept.

Grasp expressions, common phrases

grasp the concept

To understand or comprehend something, especially something complex or abstract.
Example: It took him a while, but he finally grasped the concept of quantum physics.
Note: The word 'grasp' on its own means to hold onto something tightly, whereas 'grasp the concept' means to understand a concept.

grasp at straws

To make a desperate or futile attempt at finding a solution or explanation.
Example: The suspect was grasping at straws trying to come up with an excuse for his behavior.
Note: While 'grasp' means to hold onto something, 'grasp at straws' implies a sense of desperation and hopelessness.

grasp the nettle

To confront a difficult situation directly and courageously.
Example: The manager decided to grasp the nettle and address the team's performance issues head-on.
Note: This phrase uses 'grasp' metaphorically to mean taking bold action to handle a challenging situation.

have a good grasp of

To have a solid understanding or mastery of a subject or skill.
Example: She has a good grasp of French grammar, but struggles with pronunciation.
Note: In this phrase, 'grasp' indicates a strong understanding or proficiency in a particular area.

out of grasp

Unattainable or just beyond reach.
Example: Victory seemed within their grasp, but slipped out of grasp at the last moment.
Note: While 'grasp' means holding onto something, 'out of grasp' signifies something that is unachievable or unreachable.

grasp the opportunity

To take advantage of a chance or opportunity when it presents itself.
Example: She didn't hesitate to grasp the opportunity to study abroad when it arose.
Note: This phrase uses 'grasp' to convey the idea of seizing or making the most of an opportunity.

grasp the situation

To fully understand or make sense of a particular situation or circumstances.
Example: It's important to grasp the situation before making any decisions.
Note: In this context, 'grasp' refers to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the situation at hand.

grasp of reality

To have a realistic understanding of the world and how things truly are.
Example: His lack of a grasp of reality led to many poor decisions.
Note: This phrase emphasizes understanding reality or the real world as opposed to living in a fantasy or delusion.

grasping for straws

To be extremely desperate or hopeless in trying to find a solution or explanation.
Example: The politician's excuses were so weak, it seemed like he was grasping for straws.
Note: Similar to 'grasp at straws,' this phrase conveys a sense of desperation and futility in seeking answers.

Grasp everyday (slang) expressions

Get a grip

This slang term means to control oneself or one's emotions. It is often used to advise someone to calm down or regain composure.
Example: You need to get a grip on your emotions and stop overreacting.
Note: While 'grasp' can imply understanding or holding onto something, 'get a grip' specifically refers to emotional control or composure.

Wrap your head around

To 'wrap your head around' something means to understand or comprehend it, especially when it is challenging or difficult to grasp initially.
Example: I can't wrap my head around the complexity of this math problem.
Note: 'Grasp' generally refers to gaining an understanding or physically holding onto something, while 'wrap your head around' focuses on the mental act of comprehension.

Catch on

To 'catch on' means to understand or grasp a concept or idea, especially after some initial confusion or difficulty.
Example: It took me a while to catch on to the new software, but now I'm starting to understand it.
Note: While 'grasp' implies understanding or holding onto something, 'catch on' specifically highlights the process of understanding over time.

Latch onto

To 'latch onto' something means to firmly grasp, adopt, or become deeply interested in a concept, idea, or opportunity.
Example: She latched onto the idea of starting her own business and hasn't looked back since.
Note: While 'grasp' refers to understanding or holding onto something, 'latch onto' emphasizes a strong attachment or commitment to an idea or opportunity.

Pick up

To 'pick up' something means to learn or grasp a skill, concept, or pattern, especially informally or gradually.
Example: It takes time to pick up the nuances of a new language.
Note: 'Grasp' generally implies understanding or holding onto something, while 'pick up' emphasizes the act of learning or acquiring knowledge or skills.

Tune into

To 'tune into' something means to become aware of or focus on a particular aspect, feeling, or skill.
Example: It's important to tune into your instincts and trust your gut feelings.
Note: 'Grasp' suggests understanding or holding onto something, while 'tune into' highlights the act of paying attention to or aligning oneself with a specific aspect.

Wrap one's mind around

To 'wrap one's mind around' something means to mentally come to terms with or understand a difficult or challenging concept or situation.
Example: I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that she's moving away.
Note: 'Grasp' generally refers to understanding or holding onto something, while 'wrap one's mind around' emphasizes the mental process of accepting or comprehending a complex idea or situation.

Grasp - Examples

I couldn't grasp the concept of quantum physics.
She made a firm grasp on the rope and climbed up the mountain.
The police officer's quick grasp prevented the thief from escaping.

Grasp grammar

Grasp - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: grasp
Conjugations
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): grasp
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): grasped
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): grasping
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): grasps
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): grasp
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): grasp
Syllabification and Stress
grasp Contains 1 syllables: grasp
Phonetic transcription: ˈgrasp
grasp , ˈgrasp (The red syllable is stressed)

Grasp - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
grasp: ~ 1500 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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