verb

grasp

grahsp

verb

To grip something firmly, typically with the hand.

"He grasped the railing tightly as the boat rocked."

"She grasped his arm to steady herself."

To understand something, especially a difficult idea.

"It took a while for the students to grasp the concept."

"I finally grasped what she was trying to explain."

noun

A firm hold or grip.

"He kept a tight grasp on the rope."

One's understanding or knowledge of something.

"Her grasp of the subject impressed the examiners."

How to Use Grasp

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo physically grip something, or to mentally understand it.

Common mistake

In the phrase "within one's grasp," grasp means reach or ability, not just physical grip.

Common pairings

grasp the concept a firm grasp grasp of the language within grasp

Word Forms

grasped past tense, grasp plural, grasped plural, grasps plural, grasps singular, grasp singular, grasped singular, graspest singular, graspedst singular, graspeth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ the railing tightly as the boat rocked.

Etymology

From Middle English graspen, related to "grab" and ultimately to a very old root meaning "to seize".

Synonyms

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grip hold tight beclasp begrasp begrip belock clench clinch cling clutch enclasp fang

Antonyms

let go release

Related Words

free can tighten take tooth catch cling hold

Rhymes for grasp

wasp gasp rasp clasp

See all rhymes for grasp →

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grip hold tight beclasp begrasp begrip belock clench clinch cling clutch enclasp fang