Encompasses Meaning and Definition
Encompasses
Pronunciation
/ˈɛnskɒmp(sɪs)z/
Part of Speech
Verb/Preposition
Definition
to encircle, surround, or contain something or someone; to have a certain quality or atmosphere
Examples
- The city encompasses a wide range of cultures.
- The love she felt encompassed her entire being.
Synonyms
- Embraces
- Surrounds
- Contains
Antonyms
- Excludes
- Omits
- Ignores
Etymology
From Old French “encompasser,” from Latin ” comprehendere,” meaning “to take hold of” or “to grasp.”
Usage Notes
Encompasses can be used as both a verb and a preposition. When used as a verb, it often takes an object, whereas when used as a preposition, it typically refers to a location or a sphere of influence.
Cultural References
In literature, encompasses can be found in works such as William Wordsworth’s “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood,” where he writes, “The Past Recollected equals the Future remembered Encompassed in the Present.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Common idioms including encompasses are, for example, “encompassing all aspects” or “encompassing the entire scene.”
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related to encompasses include contains, surrounds, includes, and involves.
Collocations
Common word combinations with encompasses include, for example, “encompasses a wide range of,” “encompasses a variety of,” or “encompasses many aspects.”
Frequency of Use
Encompasses is a moderately used word in modern language, often appearing in formal and technical contexts such as literature, philosophy, and education.
Common Misspellings
A common misspelling of encompasses is “encompasises.”