Comprehensive meaning in English
Learn how to use Comprehensive correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
(a) comprehensive (report): (a) detailed, full, extensive, inclusive (report)
Here is a comprehensive report on the finances of the company. It is 150 pages long and covers everything you need to know.
Your research is quite comprehensive: you've done everything required and more.
Pronunciation examples
UK: I've conducted a comprehensive analysis of the situation.
US: Your list is comprehensive: well done.
Examples
- "O Icarus Quincy will present a comprehensive financial review and breakdown of our business this year."
- "$500,000 per person Comprehensive"
- "It's pretty comprehensive."
- "You have a $500 deductible on your comprehensive and collision coverage, meaning that Ouch Insurance will pay for any damages above this amount."
- "In response to your request, however, we cannot mail you a comprehensive listing of all of our fragrance ingredients because it is against company policy."
- "It outlines our projected earnings for the quarter and offers a comprehensive listing of our new overseas prospects."
- "Thanks again for another comprehensive report."
- "Fiona's task is to create detailed reports of each employee's efficiency, and to eventually compile a comprehensive study of our general effectiveness."
- "A comprehensive inspection of your premises was conducted by myself in the presence of Mr. Horatio Oléré (Head of R&D) and Mr. Brian Jones (Laboratory Assistant) on Monday August 31."
Exercise 1
"A comprehensive inspection of your premises was conducted by myself..."
Without changing the meaning, "comprehensive" could be replaced by (there may be more than one correct answer):
Without changing the meaning, "comprehensive" could be replaced by (there may be more than one correct answer):
"A comprehensive inspection of your premises was conducted by myself..."
Without changing the meaning, "comprehensive" could be replaced by (there may be more than one correct answer):
Without changing the meaning, "comprehensive" could be replaced by (there may be more than one correct answer):
This is incorrect. "Official" cannot replace "comprehensive" in this sentence.
This is incorrect. "Preliminary" cannot replace "comprehensive" in this sentence.
This is correct. "Comprehensive" shares a similar meaning with "detailed" or "complete". When Curtis writes that the inspection was comprehensive, he means that he inspected everything or almost everything in the Delavigne laboratory.
This is correct. "Thorough" is a synonym of comprehensive in this context. Both terms share similar meanings with "extensive". A "thorough (examination)" is detailed and "in-depth". When Curtis writes that the inspection was comprehensive, he means that the inspection was complete and meticulous.
Exercise 2
Susan writes that "a one size fits all approach is outdated and unsuccessful."
This means that "An advertising campaign which is is and ".
This means that "An advertising campaign which is is and ".
Susan writes that "a one size fits all approach is outdated and unsuccessful."
This means that "An advertising campaign which is the same for everyone 1 is old-fashioned 2 and likely to fail 3".
This means that "An advertising campaign which is the same for everyone 1 is old-fashioned 2 and likely to fail 3".
1 the same for everyone: This is the best choice here. The term "one size fits all" originally comes from the clothing industry. It is found on items of clothing (for example: dresses, t-shirts) which are only available in one size: they are the same for everyone, however big or small the person is. In her press release, Susie uses this expression figuratively. Another example: "I don't believe that a one size fits all system will be effective for our children's education".
1 too comprehensive: This is not the right answer. If something is "comprehensive", it is "complete" or "detailed". This does not share the same meaning as "one size fits all".
1 very expensive: This is not the right answer. If something is "very expensive", it costs a lot of money, or is "very dear". This does not share the same meaning as "one size fits all".
1 based on female sexuality: This is not the right answer. Although the Delavigne poster campaign does feature sexy model Ivana Bümbüm in a provocative pose, the expression "one size fits all" is unrelated to female sexuality.
2 old-fashioned: "Old-fashioned" shares a similar meaning with "outdated". Both terms refer to something which is "old" or "not modern", and are negative adjectives. Another example: "Your clothes are very outdated. You'll never get a new job when you look so old-fashioned".
2 costly: This is not the right answer. A "costly (item)" is an expensive or dear one: it costs a lot of money. This is unrelated to the meaning of "outdated".
2 too provocative: This is not the right answer. Something which is "too provocative" is "risqué" or even "outrageous", and excessively sexual in nature. Although the Delavigne poster campaign does feature sexy model Ivana Bümbüm in a provocative pose, this is unrelated to the term "outdated".
2 likely to succeed: This is not the right answer. If something is "likely to succeed", it will probably be successful or "do well". This is unrelated to the meaning of "outdated".
3 likely to fail: This is the best choice here. Something "unsuccessful" does not succeed: it "fails" or "doesn't work". Example: "My attempt to climb Everest was unsuccessful. What's more, my toes are very cold".
3 pathetic: This is not the right answer. Something "pathetic" is "pitiful" or it "makes us feel sorry for someone". This does not share a similar meaning with "unsuccessful".
3 cheap: This is not the right answer. Something "cheap" is "inexpensive" or "doesn't cost much money". This does not share a similar meaning with "unsuccessful".
3 offensive: This is not the right answer. If something is "offensive", it is "shocking" or "upsetting". This does not share a similar meaning with "unsuccessful".
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