Home / Dictionary / Grasp

Grasp Very Common

Grasp has 9 different meanings across 3 categories:

Noun · Verb · Proper Noun

Definitions
Noun
1

understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something

"he has a good grasp of accounting practices"

2

the limit of capability

"within the compass of education"

3

an intellectual hold or understanding

"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"

4

the act of grasping

"he released his clasp on my arm"

"he has a strong grip for an old man"

"she kept a firm hold on the railing"

5

Grip.

"The strong wind threatened to make her lose her grip on the railing, but she managed to grasp it tightly."

Verb
1

hold firmly

"She had to grasp the slippery railing tightly to avoid falling down the steep stairs."

2

get the meaning of something

"Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?"

3

To grip; to take hold, particularly with the hand.

"The climber managed to grasp the rough rock face before slipping back down."

In plain English: To grasp something means to hold it firmly with your hand or mind so you can control it fully.

"He finally understood the instructions when he grasped how to turn on the machine."

Usage: Use "grasp" when you physically seize an object or mentally understand something quickly and clearly. Avoid using it interchangeably with "grab," as grasp implies a firmer, more secure hold rather than just taking possession.

Proper Noun
1

Acronym of General Responsibility Assignment Software Patterns (or Principles).

"The developer decided to use GRASP patterns to ensure a robust software architecture."

Example Sentences
"He finally understood the instructions when he grasped how to turn on the machine." verb
"She struggled to grasp the complex instructions written on the page." verb
"The student finally grasped the main idea of the lecture after asking questions." verb
"He reached out to grasp the railing for support while climbing the stairs." verb
See Also
hold reach grab at bioptome squeeze grip grasper take advantage
Related Terms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
understanding capability influence grasping hold understand
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)
sense sight tentacle chokehold embrace wrestling hold latch on cling clasp figure catch on intuit digest

Origin

The word "grasp" comes from the Middle English verb graspen, which originally meant to grope or feel around. It ultimately traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to take or seize," sharing that same ancient origin with the modern word grab.

Rhyming Words
asp gasp hasp wasp rasp clasp unhasp engrasp regrasp begrasp unclasp enclasp reclasp sea wasp fig wasp woodwasp foregrasp handclasp euro wasp sand wasp
Compare
Grasp vs