Comprehensible vs. Comprehensive

Comprehensible

/ˌkɒmprɪˈhensəbəl/

Easy to understand or grasp

Examples:

The manual is clear and comprehensible.His speech was lively and easily comprehensible.A comprehensible breakdown of the steps is essential.

Synonyms:

understandableclearintelligibleaccessible

Antonyms:

incomprehensibleunintelligibleconfusing

Comprehensive

/ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/

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Including nearly everything or all aspects; thorough and complete.

Examples:

Bush countered with his more comprehensive National Defense Research Council.The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact.She provided a comprehensive guide to local flora and fauna.

Synonyms:

thoroughextensivecompleteinclusive

Antonyms:

incompletepartiallimited

Learn more about synonyms and antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

• Comprehensible means something is understandable, as if someone can grasp it easily.
• Comprehensive means something that covers a wide range or is all-inclusive, as if it has depth or breadth.
• If something is comprehensible, you can say I get it.
• If something is comprehensive, it means it leaves nothing out in its scope.
• Remember that comprehensible has the idea of simplicity, whereas comprehensive suggests complexity or thoroughness.