Definition of grasp - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
physical holdhold something firmly with your hand
- She grasped the rope tightly.
2.
comprehensionunderstand something complex or difficult
- He finally grasped the concept of algebra.
3.
successtake advantage of an opportunity
- She grasped the chance to travel abroad.
Noun
1.
physical holdfirm hold or grip on something
- He had a strong grasp on the rope.
2.
educationunderstanding or comprehension of a subject
- She has a good grasp of mathematics.
3.
tight gripcontrol or possession over something
- The company is in the grasp of new management.
4.
capabilityability to achieve or accomplish something
- Success is within his grasp.
Images of grasp

firm hold or grip on something
Expressions with grasp
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
comprehend the main point or essence
It took him a while to grasp the idea behind the project.
take advantage of an opportunity
She decided to grasp the moment and start her own business.
move out of someone's hand or hold suddenly
The ball slipped from his grasp and rolled away.
difficult for someone to understand or achieve
The concept of quantum physics is beyond his grasp.
impossible for someone to reach, get, or understand
The solution was beyond their grasp for many students.
make a desperate attempt to find a solution
In his panic, he started to grasp at straws.
try any method to solve a problem
In his panic, he started to grasp for straws.
seize a favorable moment
He grasped the opportunity to speak with the CEO directly.
have control or possession of something non-physical
He had the solution in his grasp all along.
can be achieved or obtained by all people
Success is within everyone's grasp with hard work.
fail to maintain understanding or control
She lost her grasp on the complex theory.
become impossible to keep or achieve
Success seemed to slip from her grasp at the last moment.
achievable or possible to obtain or accomplish
With this promotion, home ownership is finally within his grasp.
possible to achieve or obtain
Success is within the grasp of anyone who works hard.
deal with a difficult problem bravely and directly
You need to grasp the nettle and solve this issue.
try to control too much and lose it all
He tried to grasp everything lose everything in his career.
tight hold on something
He kept a firm grasp on the rope to avoid falling.
fail to maintain physical hold on something
He might lose grasp on the slippery rope.
take advantage of an opportunity quickly
She decided to grasp a chance to study abroad.
understand something well or know it clearly
She has a good grasp of algebra.
be difficult for someone to understand or achieve
The solution continued to elude his grasp.
understand the true nature of a situation
She finally grasped the reality of her financial situation.
deep and clear understanding of a subject
She has a strong grasp of mathematics.
possible for someone to get or achieve
Success is within the student's grasp.
Origin of grasp
Old English, graspen (to seize)
Terms with grasp included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
hands
grasp or carry something in one's hands
literal
grasp or hold a person's hand for support
control
firm hold or grasp on something
action
firm grip or grasp on something
physical release
release something from one's grasp
comprehension
grasp mentally or understand
body
ability to touch or grasp something
comprehensible
easy to comprehend or grasp by the mind
grasping
grasp something firmly
physical
physically grasp something with your hand
physical touch
grasp someone's hand for support or comfort
physical grasp
physically grasp something with one's hand
physical action
grasp the ball tightly to avoid dropping
safety
grasp something firmly to prevent falling
physical
grasp a rope firmly with hands
grasping attempt
attempt to grasp or touch something
gesture
grasp and move someone's hand as greeting or farewell
hello
grasp and move someone's hand as greeting or agreement
physical action
grasp or seize something firmly
physical action
grasp or grip something
quick grasp
understand or do something well after minimal practice or contact
grasp measure
small amount held in a closed fist, often just a few items
tools
device or tool used to grasp objects
understanding
understand or grasp the meaning of something
Examples of grasp in a sentence
The child grasped her mother's hand in fear. She struggled to grasp the new theory. Once you grasp the basics, it gets easier. The startup grasped an opportunity to enter the market. You must grasp the moment before it passes. Her grasp on the concept was impressive.
The toddler's grasp on the toy was unyielding. His grasp of physics concepts is impressive. The teacher tested the students' grasp of the material. His grasp on the situation was slipping. She has a firm grasp of the market trends. A promotion is now within her grasp. The goal remained just beyond their grasp.
View all translations of grasp
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:saisir, prise, ...
- German:greifen, Griff, ...
- Italian:afferrare, presa, ...
- Spanish:agarrar, agarre, ...
- Portuguese:agarrar, aperto, ...
- Chinese:抓住, 抓握, ...
- Japanese:握る, 握り, ...
- Arabic:أَمْسَكَ, قَبْضَة, ...
- Hebrew:לֶאֱחוֹז, אֲחִיזָה, ...
- Russian:схватывать, захват, ...
- Ukrainian:схоплювати, захоплення, ...
- Hindi:पकड़ना, पकड़, ...
icon to discover related terms: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, umbrella terms… Try with happening or hunch.
icon next to the first example to see two additional options and learn to use new vocabulary naturally.
icon to save words you want to revisit. You can also save a specific meaning by clicking on the