grasp, grip, clasp
- Thread starter AUTOMOON
- Start date
- Status
MikeNewYork
VIP Member
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2002
- Member Type
- Academic
- Native Language
- American English
- Home Country
- United States
- Current Location
- United States
AUTOMOON said:
As verbs, all three of them are synonyms and very similar in meaning. All have to do with holding something tightly in one's hand.
In addition, "grasp" has a mtaphorical use. It can mean "understand" or "comprehend" as though one was grasping something with one's brain instead of one's hand.
"Clasp" can also mean "to hug or embrace" someone, or to fasten something with a clasp.
"Grip" can also mean "to hold someone's attention". It is also metaphorical, as if something is holding one's attention in a hand.
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2002
- Member Type
- Native Language
- British English
- Home Country
- UK
- Current Location
- Japan
As nouns, they are different. A tyre has 'grip'; the ability to hold the road. Bracelets have 'clasps'; mechanisms to close them. Tennis racquets have 'grips'; the parts you hold. ;-)
- Status