WordValeencompass
to include comprehensively
In more detail
1. (verb) to include or contain something as a part of a whole
2. (verb) to surround or enclose an area completely
Examples
- 1. The term "literature" encompasses novels, poetry, and drama.
- 2. The national park encompasses over 2,000 square miles of forest.
How to use encompass
Encompass is a more formal and comprehensive term than simple verbs like 'include' or 'contain.' It suggests a wide scope or completeness, implying that something brings together multiple elements or fully surrounds an area. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and technical contexts.
Common phrases
- encompass a range
- encompass all aspects
- broadly encompass
- encompass the entire
- encompass both
- encompass the scope
Synonyms
include · contain · embrace · comprise · enclose
Opposites
exclude · omit
Word family
encompassing (adjective) · encompassment (noun, rare)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes treat encompass and 'encompassing' as interchangeable with 'surrounding' for physical spaces, but encompass more often emphasizes the breadth of content or scope rather than merely physical enclosure.
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