incomprehensive
/in,kɔmpri'hensiv/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not comprehensive; lacking comprehensiveness or breadth of scope: The word "incomprehensive" describes something that is not thorough, complete, or all-inclusive. It often implies a limited or narrow view, understanding, or coverage.
Usage
- The adjective "incomprehensive" is used to describe a study, report, analysis, or understanding that is not complete or does not cover all necessary aspects. It is a formal term, often used in academic or critical contexts.
- It is typically placed before a noun (e.g., an incomprehensive study) or after a linking verb like "is" or "seems" (e.g., the review was incomprehensive).
Examples
- The initial report was incomprehensive, missing several key data points from the southern region.
- His knowledge of the subject, while detailed in some areas, remained frustratingly incomprehensive.
- Critics panned the biography as incomprehensive, arguing it ignored the artist's formative years entirely.
Advanced Usage
- "Incomprehensive of": This formal construction is used to state what a thing fails to include or understand. It is less common than simply using "incomprehensive" as a descriptor.
- The policy was criticized as being incomprehensive of the needs of rural communities.
Variants and Related Words
- Uncomprehensive: A less common variant with the same meaning as "incomprehensive."
- Comprehensive (adj): The direct antonym, meaning complete and including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
- Incomprehension (n): The state of being unable to understand something. (Note: This is a different word related to the inability to comprehend, not a lack of breadth.)
- Incomprehensible (adj): Impossible to understand. (Note: This is a different word meaning "unintelligible.")
Synonyms
- Limited
- Narrow
- Incomplete
- Partial
- Selective
- Superficial
Antonyms
- Comprehensive
- Complete
- Exhaustive
- Thorough
- All-inclusive
- Encyclopedic
Notes on Meaning
- Primary Meaning: The core meaning is "not comprehensive," focusing on a lack of breadth, scope, or inclusiveness. It describes something that is not wide-ranging.
- Distinction from Similar Words: It is crucial to distinguish "incomprehensive" from "incomprehensible." "Incomprehensive" means not covering everything, while "incomprehensible" means impossible to understand. An incomprehensive manual might be easy to read but missing important chapters. An incomprehensible manual would be written in a way that is impossible to decipher, even if it were complete.
Adjective
- not comprehensive