French word

compréhension

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃pʁeɑ̃sjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine noununderstanding

Example

Merci pour ta compréhension.

Thank you for your understanding.

Illustration for compréhension (understanding)

More examples

Il a montré beaucoup de compréhension envers son ami.

He showed a lot of understanding toward his friend.

Core concept

A whole situation becoming clear as its pieces are gathered by the mind.

Common phrases

  • faire preuve de compréhension

    show understanding

  • manquer de compréhension

    lack understanding

Similar words

entente: Mutual understanding that supports discussion and cooperation.
connaissance: Knowledge of information or facts and an understanding of them.
empathie: Sensitivity to another person's perspective and feelings.

Definition in French

Capacité générale de compréhension, soit la faculté de comprendre des idées, des émotions ou des situations.

Word origin

The noun compréhension developed from comprendre, which continues Latin comprehendere, formed from com- meaning together and prehendere meaning grasp.

Usage tips

  • Faire preuve de compréhension often expresses sympathetic tolerance, not only the ability to understand information.

Other meanings

  • sympathynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word