15 uses
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? —13 uses
exact meaning not specified
Definition
to understand something — especially to understand it completely
- I can perfectly comprehend your feelings.Chapter 6 (50% in)
comprehend = understand
- This inapplicable answer might have been too much for the comprehension of many; but it did not puzzle Mrs. Allen, for after only a moment's consideration, she said, in a whisper to Catherine, "I dare say she thought I was speaking of her son."Chapter 8 (91% in)
- I have no patience with such of my sex as disdain to let themselves sometimes down to the comprehension of yours.Chapter 14 (70% in)
- This bold surmise, however, she soon learnt comprehended but half the fact.Chapter 15 (18% in)
- The important affair, which many words of preparation ushered in, had been foreseen by them both ever since her brother's arrival; and all that they felt on the occasion was comprehended in a wish for the young people's happiness, with a remark, on the gentleman's side, in favour of Isabella's beauty, and on the lady's, of her great good luck.Chapter 15 (96% in)
- Well, some people's feelings are incomprehensible.Chapter 16 (14% in)
- Isabella shrugged her shoulders and smiled, the only explanation of this extraordinary change which could at that time be given; but as it was not quite enough for Catherine's comprehension, she spoke her astonishment in very plain terms to her partner.Chapter 16 (56% in)
- What could be meant by such unsteady conduct, what her friend could be at, was beyond her comprehension.Chapter 19 (12% in)
- She wished, by a gentle remonstrance, to remind Isabella of her situation, and make her aware of this double unkindness; but for remonstrance, either opportunity or comprehension was always against her.Chapter 19 (24% in)
- ...told that she was treading what had once been a cloister, having traces of cells pointed out, and observing several doors that were neither opened nor explained to her—by finding herself successively in a billiard-room, and in the general's private apartment, without comprehending their connection, or being able to turn aright when she left them; and lastly, by passing through a dark little room, owning Henry's authority, and strewed with his litter of books, guns, and greatcoats.Chapter 23 (19% in)
- It was as incomprehensible as it was mortifying and grievous.Chapter 28 (66% in)
- Far from comprehending him or his sister in their father's misconduct, Mrs. Morland had been always kindly disposed towards each, and instantly, pleased by his appearance, received him with the simple professions of unaffected benevolence; thanking him for such an attention to her daughter, assuring him that the friends of her children were always welcome there, and entreating him to say not another word of the past.Chapter 30 (24% in)
- Henry's indignation on hearing how Catherine had been treated, on comprehending his father's views, and being ordered to acquiesce in them, had been open and bold.Chapter 30 (92% in)
There are no more uses of "comprehend" flagged with this meaning in Northanger Abbey.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —2 uses
exact meaning not specified
- Not tables, toilettes, wardrobes, or drawers, but on one side perhaps the remains of a broken lute, on the other a ponderous chest which no efforts can open, and over the fireplace the portrait of some handsome warrior, whose features will so incomprehensibly strike you, that you will not be able to withdraw your eyes from it.Chapter 20 (53% in)
- ...all his partial regard for their daughter into actual ill will, was a matter which they were at least as far from divining as Catherine herself; but it did not oppress them by any means so long; and, after a due course of useless conjecture, that "it was a strange business, and that he must be a very strange man," grew enough for all their indignation and wonder; though Sarah indeed still indulged in the sweets of incomprehensibility, exclaiming and conjecturing with youthful ardour.Chapter 29 (48% in)
There are no more uses of "comprehend" in Northanger Abbey.
Typical Usage
(best examples)