Definition 1 of 2
Plain English Meaning
It means the test covers everything it should cover, not just bits and pieces. If a subject has ten important areas, a comprehensive test asks questions about all ten, with more weight on the areas that matter most.
Full Definition
In the context of a written assessment, comprehensiveness is the degree to which the test samples the full range of knowledge or behavior it is intended to measure. A comprehensive test covers all the important areas of the subject in proportion to their importance, rather than focusing narrowly on a few topics.
Context Anchor
Seen when an instructor creates or reviews a written test and checks whether it covers the material that was taught and required.
Derivation
From the Latin comprehendere, meaning to grasp or take hold of completely. A comprehensive test 'takes hold of' the whole subject, not just part of it.