grok etymology

Etymology

• The word "grok" was coined by American science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein in his 1961 novel "Stranger in a Strange Land."

Meaning

• To deeply understand, comprehend, or empathize with something or someone on a profound and intuitive level.

Origin

Heinlein based the word on the Martian word "grok" in his novel. The Martians in the novel use "grok" to express a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge. It involves fully grasping the essence, motivations, and emotions of the object or person being understood.

Usage

The term "grok" has since been adopted into general usage, particularly in science fiction and fandom communities. It is typically used to describe a deep and intuitive understanding that transcends ordinary perception.

Examples

• "He truly groks the challenges of being a single parent."
• "I've been trying to grok the complexities of quantum physics, but it's hard to wrap my head around."
• "The artist's work groks the human condition in a profound and moving way."

Related Terms

• Empathy
• Intuition
• Insight
• Comprehension

grok relate terms

• comprehend

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing

• savvy

  Etymology The word savvy is derived from the French verb savoir meaning to know

• grasp

  Etymology Old English graspian meaning to seize or take hold of From Proto Germani

• compass

  Etymology Old French compas Latin compassus stride Vulgar Latin compassare to

• intuit

  Etymology Derived from the Latin word intuitus meaning a gazing at a look Ultima

• tumble

  Etymology The word tumble is derived from the Middle English word tumblen which is

• apprehend

  Etymology Latin apprehendere to seize lay hold of understand ad to prehendere

• understand

  Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing the develop

• digest

  Etymology The word digest comes from the Latin word digerere which means to carry