Embrace
/ɪmˈbreɪs/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo hold someone closely in one's arms, usually as a sign of affection or greeting.
/ɪmˈbreɪs/
To hold someone closely in one's arms as a sign of affection or greeting.
He embraced his daughter tightly after she returned from her trip.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're super happy to see your best friend! Embracing is like giving them a big, warm hug to show you care. Like when you hug your mom or dad!
👶 For kids: To hug someone tight, like when you're happy to see them!
More Examples
They embraced each other, relieved to finally be reunited.
She embraced her grandmother, feeling the warmth of her love.
How It's Used
"She embraced her friend warmly after not seeing her for a long time."
"They embraced each other at the reunion."
To accept or support something willingly or enthusiastically; to welcome.
/ɪmˈbreɪs/
To accept or support something willingly or enthusiastically.
The city embraced the idea of a public park.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're offered something awesome, like a fun new game! Embracing is saying 'Yes, I want that!' and accepting it with open arms. It's about being happy and willing to try something new, like learning a new skill or accepting change.
👶 For kids: To like something so much that you want to try it or do it!
More Examples
The company embraced the new marketing strategy.
She embraced her new role with dedication.
How It's Used
"The community embraced the new initiative with enthusiasm."
"The company embraced new technologies to improve efficiency."
An act of holding someone closely in one's arms.
/ɪmˈbreɪs/
She welcomed him with a warm embrace.
💡 Simply: Imagine getting a really nice hug from someone you love. The feeling of the hug is called an embrace.
👶 For kids: A hug!
More Examples
The embrace was a comforting gesture.
The emotional embrace between them was palpable.
How It's Used
"He gave her a warm embrace."
"Their embrace was filled with emotion."
The act of accepting or supporting something enthusiastically.
/ɪmˈbreɪs/
The act of accepting or supporting something enthusiastically
The community’s embrace of diversity showed in their actions.
💡 Simply: Imagine a community that is very happy to include a new program - That enthusiasm for a new change is referred to as an embrace
👶 For kids: When you are very happy to accept something new.
More Examples
There was a widespread embrace of the new technologies.
His embrace of the challenge led him to succeed.
How It's Used
"The city's embrace of sustainability was evident."
"The company's embrace of digital transformation has paid off."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
embrace something with both arms
To fully and enthusiastically accept or welcome something, to do something whole-heartedly.
"She embraced the new culture with both arms, learning the language and customs."
From Middle French embracier, from Old French embracier ('to clasp, encircle'), from em- (from Latin in- 'in, on') + bracier ('to arm, to hug'), from bras ('arm').
Historically, 'embrace' has been used both literally (to hug) and figuratively (to accept). Its usage dates back to Middle English and its roots in French.
Memory tip
Imagine hugging a person, your arms around them, you are embracing them.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: em- + bracier