Definition

1. Noun:
   • An intensive examination testing a student's proficiency in a special field of knowledge: A comprehensive test, often used in graduate programs, to assess a student's mastery of their subject area before they proceed to dissertation work.
   • (Informal) A complimentary ticket or item; something provided free of charge: A short form for "complimentary," often used in entertainment, hospitality, or marketing contexts.
   • (Informal, dated) A compositor: A person who sets type for printing; an abbreviation for this occupation is now rare.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Examination):

  • She spent months studying for her doctoral comps in biology.
  • Passing the comprehensive exam is a major milestone in the PhD program.

• Noun (Complimentary Item):

  • The casino gave him comps for meals and a hotel room.
  • I got two comp tickets to the concert from a friend who works at the venue.

• Noun (Compositor):

  • In the old print shop, the comp worked quickly to set the day's newspaper. (This usage is historical.)

Advanced Usage

• "to comp someone" (verb): To provide something complimentary to someone, especially a ticket, meal, or service.
  • The restaurant comped our dessert because of the long wait.
  • Can you comp me a ticket for the show?

Variants and Related Words

• Comprehensive examination (n): The full term for an academic "comp."
• Complimentary (adj): Given free as a courtesy or favor. ("complimentary breakfast")
• Compositor (n): The full term for a typesetter.

Synonyms

• Examination, test, comprehensive exam (for the academic meaning).
• Freebie, perk, courtesy (for the complimentary meaning).

Related Phrases

• Comp time: Compensatory time off from work given in lieu of overtime pay.
  • I earned ten hours of comp time for working last weekend.

Noun

1. an intensive examination testing a student's proficiency in some special field of knowledge
   • she took her comps in English literature