grasp-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: intellectual understanding, appreciation of something

Commentary: GRASP[+state][+mental][+understanding][+intellectual]

Examples:
The author displays an amazing grasp of European history.
The reporter's grasp of particle physics was next to zilch.
Both candidates showed a grasp of issues that were foremost on voters' minds.
Mary has a reasonable grasp of basic French.

Mappings:
PropBank: grasp.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: an achievement that is possible

Commentary: GRASP[+state][+hypothetical][+achievement]
NOTE: a metaphoric extension of Sense 4

Examples:
He knew then that success was within his grasp.
Home ownership is well beyond the grasp of this socioeconomic group.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: a state of control, power

Commentary: GRASP[+state][+power][+control]
NOTE: a metaphoric extension of Sense 4

Examples:
An all-consuming jealousy held her in its grasp.
The manager couldn't keep a grasp on all the crises happening at work.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 4: physically holding or clutching something

Commentary: GRASP[+event][+holding][+clutching]

Examples:
The vase slipped from her grasp and crashed to the floor.
The man's handshake was a knuckle-crushing grasp.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4