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/

Learn more about synonyms and antonyms

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 ends in -ible, which is often used for things that can be done, like being understood.
• Comprehensive contains the word comprise, relating to including or encompassing all elements.
• Comprehensible is about clarity and understanding; comprehensive is about completeness.
• You can think of comprehensible as simple enough to grasp.
• Imagine comprehensive as a wide embrace covering everything necessary.