Grasp

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Grasp

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

grahsp  /ɡrɑːsp/

Definition

As a verb: to seize and hold firmly; to understand fully and clearly. As a noun: a firm hold; the ability to comprehend; the reach or scope of someone's control or understanding.

Plain meaning

To grasp means to hold something firmly in your hand, or to understand something fully. A grasp is both a physical grip and a measure of understanding — within someone's grasp means they can reach it or understand it.

Register

Neutral and widely used across registers. The physical sense is everyday. The figurative sense — grasping a concept, within his grasp — is common in both everyday and elevated speech. Grasp carries a slight sense of active effort — grasping understanding rather than simply having it.