grasp

To understand an idea or how something works.

• I cannot grasp this idea.
• She quickly grasped how the machine worked.
• Have you grasped the main point yet?

Similar words: understand, get

Common phrases: grasp an idea, grasp the meaning

To take and hold something firmly with your hand or hands.

• Grasp the handle firmly.
• He grasped my hand and pulled me up.
• She grasped at the rope but missed it.

How to use it: grasp at something (She grasped at a branch as she slipped.)

Similar words: grip, seize, grab

Opposites: release

Common phrases: grasp something firmly, grasp someone’s hand, grasp at something

A firm hold on something with your hand.

• The rope slipped from my grasp.
• She kept a firm grasp on his arm.
• He loosened his grasp and let the bird go.

Similar words: grip, hold

Common phrases: a firm grasp, in someone’s grasp, escape someone’s grasp

The range of things you can reach, achieve, or control.

• Victory was within our grasp.
• The prize slipped out of her grasp.
• Real power remained beyond their grasp.

How to use it: within someone’s grasp (The championship is finally within our grasp.); beyond someone’s grasp (A house that expensive is beyond my grasp.)

Similar words: reach

Common phrases: within someone’s grasp, beyond someone’s grasp