encompass
/ɪnˈkʌm.pəs/- 1.
To include or deal with a wide range of things. It suggests that something covers many different parts or topics all at once.
- The syllabus encompasses reading, writing, and speaking skills.
- Her research encompasses both history and sociology.
- The policy encompasses all employees, not just managers.
- 2.
To surround or form a circle or boundary around something. This is the more physical, literal sense of the word.
- A stone wall encompasses the old castle grounds.
- Dense forests encompass the small mountain village.
Adinary Nuance
Encompass sits in a cluster with include, cover, comprise, and embrace — but each has a different weight. Include is the everyday, casual choice: "The price includes breakfast." Encompass implies breadth and completeness — it signals that something reaches across a wide territory without leaving gaps. Comprise focuses on the parts that make up a whole ("The course comprises five modules"), while encompass stresses how much ground is covered overall. In IELTS and academic writing, encompass is the stronger, more impressive choice when you want to show that a topic, definition, or argument is wide-ranging and thorough.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Bao quát
- Spanish
- Abarcar
- Chinese
- 涵盖
- Japanese
- 包含する
- Korean
- 포함하다
Etymology
From the prefix en- (meaning "into, within") combined with compass, from Old French compas meaning "circle" or "circumference." The word entered English in the mid-16th century, first meaning to physically encircle, and later expanded to mean covering a broad scope of subjects or ideas.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'encompass' and 'include'?
- 'Include' is casual and common — it just means something is part of a list or group. 'Encompass' sounds more formal and suggests covering a subject completely and widely, which is why it appears more in academic and IELTS writing.
- Is 'encompass' a formal word?
- Yes, it leans formal. It is common in academic essays, reports, and official documents. In everyday speech, most people would say 'covers' or 'includes' instead.
- Can I use 'encompass' in an IELTS essay?
- Absolutely — it is an excellent word for IELTS Task 2. Use it to show that a topic is wide-ranging, for example: 'Sustainable development encompasses economic, social, and environmental factors.'
- What is the difference between 'encompass' and 'comprise'?
- 'Comprise' lists the specific parts that make up a whole. 'Encompass' emphasises how broad or complete the coverage is. Think of 'comprise' as counting parts, and 'encompass' as describing the full territory.