Encompass
/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo include or contain something completely; to surround or encircle.
/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/
To include or contain something.
The curriculum encompasses both theoretical and practical training.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big box that holds everything. To encompass means the box *includes* all the stuff inside. For example, 'This book encompasses all the main ideas of the course.'
👶 For kids: To include everything in something, like when you put all your toys in a toy box.
More Examples
The museum's collection encompasses artifacts from various historical periods.
His responsibilities encompass managing staff, budgets, and project timelines.
How It's Used
"The course encompasses a wide range of topics."
"The project's scope encompasses all aspects of the new product launch."
To surround or encircle completely.
/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/
To surround or encircle something.
The forest encompasses a diverse ecosystem.
💡 Simply: Like putting a fence around something. To encompass means to go around something and be everywhere near it. For example, 'The city's limits encompass a lot of different neighborhoods.'
👶 For kids: To go all the way around something, like a fence around a playground.
More Examples
The enemy army encompassed the fort.
A wall encompasses the castle grounds.
How It's Used
"The mountain range encompasses the entire valley."
"The darkness encompassed him"
From Middle English encompassen, from Old French encompasser, from en- (in) + compasser (to measure with a compass), from compas (compass).
The word 'encompass' has been used since the late 13th century, originally in the sense of 'to enclose' or 'surround'. It gradually evolved to include the meaning of 'to include or comprise'.
Memory tip
Think of a compass, which is used to draw a circle around something, thus encompassing it.