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comprehensible — comprehensive
“Comprehensible” means ‘(of something) that we can understand easily’,
e.g.
This book is not comprehensible to me because I don’t know anything about this subject.
“Comprehensive” means
(a) ‘complete; including much; thorough, having more space/scope to include a lot or more’,
(b) [also comprehensive school] ‘a school where students of all abilities and from all social classes are taught’,
e.g.
The Opposition Party asked the government to give a comprehensive explanation of its political reforms.
Common Errors:
Our new teacher turned out to be a wonderful person – wise, tolerant and comprehensive. [wrong]
Our new teacher turned out to be a wonderful person – wise, tolerant and understanding. [right]
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