Cool MateComprehend vs Figure that out
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Comprehend
Top 3,000 (common)B1verb
Figure that out
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: Figure that out
| Comprehend | Figure that out | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kəmˈprɛhɛnd//🇺🇸 //kəmˈprɛhɛnd// | 🇬🇧 //ˈfɪɡə ðæt aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈfɪɡjər ðæt aʊt// |
| Meaning | To understand something fully. | understand something or solve a problem |
| Example | I cannot fully comprehend the complexities of this theory. | Can you help me figure that out? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | comprehend fully, struggle to comprehend, easily comprehend, hard to comprehend, fail to comprehend | figure that out quickly, figure that out together, try to figure that out |
| Antonyms | misunderstand, ignore | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'comprehend' with 'comprehensive', which means complete or thorough., Using 'comprehend' incorrectly with a subject (e.g., saying 'I comprehend' without an object). | 'Figure that out' used without an object, Confusing with 'find out' which means to discover information, 'Figure out' spelled incorrectly as a single word |
| Usage notes | Use 'comprehend' in more formal contexts, often in academic or literary discussions. In casual conversation, 'understand' is more common. | Use in everyday situations when discussing problem-solving. It’s appropriate in informal conversations but can also be used in neutral contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Comprehend vs Figure that out
What's the difference between Comprehend and Figure that out?
Comprehend: To understand something fully. Figure that out: understand something or solve a problem
Which is more common: Comprehend and Figure that out?
Figure that out is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Comprehend: I cannot fully comprehend the complexities of this theory. Figure that out: Can you help me figure that out?
Can I use Comprehend and Figure that out interchangeably?
Not always. Comprehend and Figure that out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.