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grasp
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- pronunciation:
- graesp
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: |
transitive verb |
inflections: |
grasps, grasping, grasped |
definition 1: |
to take hold of with or as with a hand.
She grasped the rope and pulled herself up.- synonyms:
- clutch, grip
- antonyms:
- release
- similar words:
- catch, clasp, grab, nab, snatch, take
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definition 2: |
to keep a secure hold on.
The child grasped his mother's hand more tightly.- synonyms:
- clasp, clutch, grip
- antonyms:
- let go
- similar words:
- clench, hold
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definition 3: |
to take hold of mentally; understand fully or deeply.
The detective immediately grasped the importance of this new evidence.Dazed, she could not grasp his meaning.He could not grasp that his wife actually wanted to divorce him.[verb + (that) + clause
]
- synonyms:
- apprehend, catch, comprehend, follow, get, perceive, seize, understand
- similar words:
- compass, fathom, savvy, see
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related words: |
absorb, embrace, learn, master, penetrate, pick up, pluck, possess, procure, reach, realize, retain, seize, sense, shake, snap |
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part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
definition 1: |
to try to seize or secure (often followed by "at").
The little boy grasped at his brother's sleeve.They grasped at the opportunity to start their own business.- synonyms:
- grab, snatch
- similar words:
- clutch, pluck, pounce, reach, seize
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definition 2: |
to quickly attempt to contrive or adopt (often followed by "for").
He grasped for an excuse for his rude behavior. |
related words: |
bite, grip |
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part of speech: |
noun |
definition 1: |
an act of seizing or taking hold.
The party's grasp of power was a complete success.- synonyms:
- clasp, grip
- similar words:
- catch, clench, clutch, grab, grapple, hold, take
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definition 2: |
a grip on or possession of something.
The child struggled to escape the stranger's grasp.He felt in the grasp of a powerful emotion.- synonyms:
- clutch, grip, hold
- similar words:
- catch, clasp, possession
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definition 3: |
the hands or arms, while holding or trying to hold something.
She held in her grasp a sack of gold coins.- similar words:
- arms, grip, hands
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definition 4: |
the power of holding, controlling, mastering, or comprehending.
The politician held the audience in his grasp.She has a good grasp of the concepts of mathematics.- synonyms:
- comprehension, familiarity, knowledge, mastery
- similar words:
- catch, clutches, cognizance, command, control, grip, hold, possession, sway, understanding
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related words: |
apprehension, bite, clench, clutch, familiarity, intimacy, lock, mastery, perception |
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derivations: |
graspable (adj.), grasper (n.) |
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