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:

We need a comprehensive plan for the project.Her study provides a comprehensive view of the history.

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.