Comprehensive Meaning
Comprehensive Definition & Usage
Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something; thorough and complete.
Examples
- "The university offers a comprehensive range of courses in the arts and sciences."
- "Her report was comprehensive, covering every angle of the issue."
- "The comprehensive guide to healthy living includes sections on nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being."
- "They conducted a comprehensive review of the new policy before making any changes."
- "The comprehensive nature of the investigation left no stone unturned."
Cultural Context
The word 'comprehensive' comes from the Latin 'comprehendere', meaning 'to seize or take in'. It has evolved to mean something that includes all or most elements of a particular subject or idea. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and general contexts to describe thorough and all-encompassing approaches.
The Comprehensive Plan
Story
The Comprehensive Plan
In the small town of Riverside, the local government had been struggling with budget cuts, aging infrastructure, and growing concerns from the residents. At the next town hall meeting, the mayor, Emma, decided to introduce a new proposal that she called the 'Comprehensive Development Plan'. It was an ambitious project that would address everything from the construction of new roads to the renovation of the local library. The citizens, skeptical at first, slowly warmed to the idea as they saw how detailed and thorough the plan was. During the meeting, a local teacher, Mr. Adams, stood up and asked, 'How can you ensure that this plan truly covers everything we need? Will it address the needs of both the young families and the elderly?' Emma smiled, replying, 'This plan isn't just about building new things. It's about thinking of every aspect of Riverside's growth. We're not just looking at the present, but also planning for the future. It's a comprehensive approach to revitalizing our town.' As Emma went on, she outlined every part of the plan: public safety, education, green spaces, healthcare, and even a cultural center to bring the community together. It was clear that nothing was left out. 'We want to make Riverside a place where everyone feels included, and that's why our approach is comprehensive,' she said. By the end of the meeting, the community was united in their support of the plan. The next day, an article in the local paper highlighted how the comprehensive nature of the proposal had won over even the most skeptical residents. The town was ready to move forward with a plan that addressed every need, no matter how small. It wasn’t just about making improvements—it was about ensuring that no one was overlooked. Over the next few months, the project began to take shape. Streets were repaved, the library was revamped, and the community center became a thriving hub for events. The success of the comprehensive plan was evident in every corner of Riverside, and the people couldn’t be more proud of the changes. In the end, Emma's vision had become a model of what a truly comprehensive approach could accomplish. Riverside had transformed from a struggling town to a community that could meet the needs of every resident, no matter their background or age.