grasp
gb/ɡɹˈæsp/ us/ɡɹˈæsp/
A2
English
~ 1600
megragad, megfog, megmarkol, megért, felfog, átlát, fogás, szorítás, ismeret, rálátás, tudás
VERB
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to grasp [something]
She grasped the railing to keep her balance.
Megragadta a korlátot, hogy megtartsa az egyensúlyát.
He grasped the rope and pulled himself up.
Megragadta a kötelet, és felhúzta magát.
The child grasped her mother's hand tightly.
I grasped the pen and began writing.
Learner examples
I grasped the bag.
Megfogtam a táskát.
He grasped my hand.
Megragadta a kezemet.
She grasped the door handle.
The boy grasped the ball.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'grasp' with 'grab'. 'Grasp' does not necessarily mean sudden movement; it emphasizes firmness.
Meaning
Hold firmly with the hand
Collocations
grasp tightly
|firmly grasp
|grasp the handle
|grasp the rope
Synonyms
grab (Often implies quickness or suddenness, while 'grasp' focuses on holding firmly.)
Antonyms
release (Means to let go of something you are holding.)
Themes
daily life
|physical actions
|body
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To take and hold something tightly with your hand.
To take and keep a firm hold of something with the hand or fingers.
VERB
B1
2
Usage pattern:
to grasp [idea/concept/meaning]
She quickly grasped the main idea of the lecture.
Gyorsan megértette az előadás fő gondolatát.
It took me a while to grasp the rules of the game.
Eltartott egy ideig, mire megértettem a játékszabályokat.
He failed to grasp the importance of the decision.
I think I finally grasp what you're saying.
Learner examples
I grasp the idea now.
Most már értem az ötletet.
She grasps the rules.
Érti a szabályokat.
He grasps my meaning.
They grasp the problem.
Common mistake:
Some learners may use 'grasp' only for physical holding and forget it can also mean understanding.
Meaning
Understand something fully
Collocations
grasp the concept
|grasp the meaning
|easily grasp
|fail to grasp
Synonyms
understand ('Understand' is more general; 'grasp' can imply effort or sudden clarity.)
Antonyms
misunderstand (Means to understand incorrectly.)
Themes
education
|thinking
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To understand something well.
To comprehend something fully and clearly.
NOUN
A2
3
Usage pattern:
a grasp on [something]
He had a firm grasp on my arm.
Erősen fogta a karomat.
Her grasp on the steering wheel tightened.
Szorosabbra fogta a kormányt.
The climber lost his grasp and fell.
Learner examples
He has a strong grasp on my hand.
Erősen fogja a kezemet.
I lost my grasp on the rope.
Kicsúszott a kezemből a kötél.
She kept a tight grasp on her phone.
Meaning
Firm hold with the hand
Collocations
tight grasp
|firm grasp
|loosen grasp
Synonyms
grip ('Grip' is more common in everyday speech; 'grasp' can sound slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
release (Letting go after holding something.)
Themes
daily life
|physical actions
|body
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
When you hold something tightly with your hand.
A firm hold of someone or something with the hand or fingers.
NOUN
B1
4
Usage pattern:
a grasp of [subject/concept]
She has a good grasp of English grammar.
Jó az angol nyelvtani tudása.
His grasp of mathematics is impressive.
Lenyűgöző a matematikai tudása.
You need to have a solid grasp of the facts before you decide.
Learner examples
I have a good grasp of this topic.
Jól ismerem ezt a témát.
She has a basic grasp of French.
Alapvető francia nyelvtudása van.
He has a solid grasp of history.
Meaning
Full understanding of something
Collocations
good grasp
|solid grasp
|basic grasp
Synonyms
understanding ('Understanding' is broader; 'grasp' can suggest effort or intellectual skill.)
Antonyms
ignorance (Lack of knowledge or understanding.)
Themes
education
|thinking
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Good understanding of something.
Complete and thorough understanding of a subject, concept, or situation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
grasp
IPA
GB/ɡɹˈæsp/
US/ɡɹˈæsp/
Syllables & stress
grasp (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (grasp)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: grasp
Verb
- Base: grasp
- 3rd Person Singular: grasps
- Present Participle: grasping
- Past: grasped
Word family
Forms
grasps
verb
grasping
verb
grasped
verb
Advanced or less common
graspable
adjective
Expressions
grasp at straws
1/ɡɹˈæsp ˈæt stɹˈɔz/
idiom
Try anything in desperation
To try anything to solve a problem when you are very worried or have no good ideas left.
Examples
- After losing his job, he was grasping at straws to find any way to pay his bills.
- They're just grasping at straws, hoping one idea will work.
slip from someone's grasp
1/slˈɪp fɹˈʌm sˈʌmwˌʌnz ɡɹˈæsp/
fixed phrase
Lose control or possession
To lose something you had or almost had.
Examples
- The victory slipped from their grasp in the final seconds.
- Her dream slipped from her grasp after the rejection letter.
within someone's grasp
1/wɪðˈɪn sˈʌmwˌʌnz ɡɹˈæsp/
fixed phrase
Possible to achieve or get
Something that you can get or do if you try.
Examples
- Success is within your grasp if you work hard.
- The championship was within their grasp until the last minute.