grasp Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
appreciation; hold.
- he has a good grasp of accounting practices
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noun the limit of capability
range; reach; compass.
- within the compass of education
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noun an intellectual hold or understanding
grip.
- a good grip on French history
- they kept a firm grip on the two top priorities
- he was in the grip of a powerful emotion
- a terrible power had her in its grasp
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noun the act of grasping
grip; clutches; clutch; clench; hold; clasp.
- he released his clasp on my arm
- he has a strong grip for an old man
- she kept a firm hold on the railing
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verb hold firmly
hold on.
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verb get the meaning of something
grok; apprehend; dig; comprehend; compass; savvy; get the picture.
- Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?
WordNet
Grasp transitive verb
Etymology
OE.Wordforms
Definitions
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To seize and hold by clasping or embracing with the fingers or arms; to catch to take possession of. Thy hand is made to grasp a palmer's staff. Shak.
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To lay hold of with the mind; to become thoroughly acquainted or conversant with; to comprehend.
Grasp intransitive verb
Definitions
To effect a grasp; to make the motion of grasping; to clutch; to struggle; to strive. As one that grasped And tugged for life and was by strength subdued. Shak.
Grasp noun
Definitions
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A gripe or seizure of the hand; a seizure by embrace, or infolding in the arms. "The grasps of love." Shak. -
Reach of the arms; hence, the power of seizing and holding; as, it was beyond his grasp . -
Forcible possession; hold. The whole space that's in the tyrant's grasp. Shak.
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Wide-reaching power of intellect to comprehend subjects and hold them under survey. The foremost minds of the next . . . era were not, in power of grasp, equal to their predecessors. Z. Taylor.
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The handle of a sword or of an oar.