Definition of comprehensive

The word "comprehensive" has its roots in the Latin language. It comes from the prefix "comprehens-', meaning "to grasp" or "to hold together", and the suffix "-ive", which forms an adjective. The word entered the English language in the 15th century. In its earliest sense, "comprehensive" referred to the act of comprehending or understanding something fully, as if one had grasped it in their hands. Over time, the word took on a broader meaning to describe something that provides a complete or thorough understanding of a subject, including its various parts and relationships. Today, "comprehensive" is commonly used in fields such as education, medicine, and management to describe programs, plans, or strategies that are all-encompassing and thorough in their scope.