I. grasp 1 /ɡrɑːsp $ ɡræsp/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
1 . to take and hold something firmly SYN grip :
I grasped his arm firmly and led him away.
Alan grasped the handle and pulled it.
2 . [not in progressive] to completely understand a fact or an idea, especially a complicated one:
At that time, we did not fully grasp the significance of what had happened.
Some people find the idea of relativity difficult to grasp.
grasp what/how etc
A short opening paragraph enables the reader to quickly grasp what the article is about.
grasp that
Nick had grasped that something was wrong.
3 . grasp an opportunity to eagerly and quickly use an opportunity to do something:
She is ready to grasp any opportunity to expand the business.
4 . grasp the nettle British English to deal with an unpleasant situation firmly and without delay:
We need to grasp the nettle of prison reform.
grasp at something phrasal verb
to try to hold on to something:
His foot slipped and he grasped at the top of the wall.
II. grasp 2 BrE AmE noun [singular]
1 . the way you hold something or your ability to hold it SYN grip :
Luke took her arm in a firm grasp and led her through the gate.
He had allowed the ball to slip from his grasp.
2 . your ability to understand a complicated idea, situation, or subject SYN understanding
grasp of
Her grasp of the issues was impressive.
a good/firm/thorough etc grasp of something
Steve has a good grasp of the European legal system.
grasp on
After two months, his grasp on the subject was improving.
3 . your ability to achieve or gain something
within sb’s grasp
An agreement to end the war seemed within their grasp.
beyond sb’s grasp
Many families are finding suitable housing beyond their grasp.
4 . literary control or power:
The king was determined not to let Scotland slip from his grasp.
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THESAURUS
▪ knowledge the facts and information that you have learned, and the understanding you have gained:
Our knowledge of other cultures and societies has improved.
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scientific knowledge
▪ expertise special knowledge about how to do something, that you get through experience, training, or study:
The technical expertise was provided by a Japanese company.
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They need people with medical expertise.
▪ know-how practical knowledge about how to do something:
Business leaders often lack the local know-how to tackle problems in specific countries.
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financial know-how
▪ wisdom good sense and judgment, based on knowledge and experience:
the wisdom of the older family members
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It’s a matter of common wisdom that newspapers cannot be trusted.
▪ grasp how much you know about a situation or subject, and how well you understand it:
He’s been praised for his grasp of the country’s economic problems.
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She has a good grasp of the language.