'Understand' and 'comprehend'

[rebecca]

Hi there!
Can anyone tell me what is the difference between 'comprehend' and 'understand'?
In the sentence 'Have you comprehended the meaning of the article?', why don't we use 'understand' instead?
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[Alan]

Hi Rebecca,

Very broadly 'understand' suggests you follow the meaning of something and 'comprehend' suggests understand fully, 100%. There is an exercise known as ' a comprehension exercise' where you have to read a passage and then answer questions about it to show
you follow all aspects. There is an expression indicating that you are unable to understand why something has happened 'beyond my comprehension.'

Alan
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[rebecca]

Thank you very much