Enclose Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔒

Add to dictionary

enclose

[ɪnˈkləʊz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a space

Surround or close off on all sides.

Synonyms

contain, encircle, encompass, envelop, surround.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enclose	Use when talking about placing something inside a defined boundary. Please enclose your documents in the envelope The garden is enclosed by a fence
surround	Use when referring to something on all sides. Mountains surround the village Police officers surrounded the building
encircle	Use when describing something or someone being completely surrounded by something in a circle. The soldiers encircled the camp A forest encircles the lake
encompass	Use when taking in a wide range of elements or areas. The term 'arts' encompasses both performing and visual arts Their duties encompass several important tasks
contain	Use when referring to holding or having something inside. The box contains old photos This article contains useful information
envelop	Use when something completely covers or surrounds in a way that hides or protects. Fog enveloped the city in the early morning She was enveloped in a warm blanket

Examples of usage

The garden was enclosed by high walls.
She enclosed the check with the letter.
The document should be enclosed with the application form.
The area was enclosed by a fence to keep out trespassers.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

with a letter

Include something in the same envelope or package.

Synonyms

add, append, attach, include.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enclose	Use this term when you are putting something inside a container, such as a letter inside an envelope. Please enclose the payment receipt in the envelope before mailing it
include	This term is used to indicate that something is part of a set or whole, often giving a sense of completeness. Make sure to include all relevant information in your project summary
attach	Use this word when you are physically or digitally connecting one item to another, such as a document to an email. I've attached the report to this email
add	This is the most general term for including something extra, whether it be in written form or physical objects. Please add your contact details to the form
append	This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, particularly in writing or software development, to indicate something being added at the end. You can append your signature at the end of the document

Examples of usage

Please enclose a self-addressed envelope with your application.
He enclosed a note with the gift.
Remember to enclose the receipt in the return package.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

documents

An area that is sealed off with an artificial or natural barrier.

Synonyms

cage, compound, enclosure, pen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enclose	Use when referring to surrounding something completely or placing something inside another item. Often used in the context of sending letters or creating boundaries. Please enclose the check in the envelope. The garden was enclosed by a high wall.
enclosure	Used to talk about a space that is closed off on all sides, often for animals or to hold something safely. More formal than 'pen' or 'cage'. The zoo has a large lion enclosure. He found an enclosure at the back of the letter.
pen	Best used to describe a small enclosed area for keeping livestock or smaller animals. More casual and typically used in farming contexts. The sheep were kept in a pen overnight. They built a new chicken pen in the backyard.
cage	Suitable for talking about confining animals, especially in a wire structure. Often suggests restriction or lack of freedom. The birds were kept in a large cage. He felt like he was living in a cage.
compound	Appropriate for describing an area that is enclosed, often with multiple buildings or facilities, and sometimes for combining multiple substances. Can imply complexity or security. The military compound was heavily guarded. They lived in a housing compound outside the city.

Examples of usage

The zoo had a lion enclosure.
The enclosure for the animals was spacious and well-maintained.
The construction site required a safety enclosure for workers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

In architectural terms, enclosing a space helps create rooms or designated areas, providing privacy and functionality.
Historical examples include enclosing gardens or courtyards for privacy and protection from the elements.

Legal and Nature

In legal terms, enclosing land can refer to restricting access, often seen in debates around property rights.
In nature, animals may create nests or burrows to 'enclose' their young, protecting them from predators.

Art

Artists often use the concept of enclosure in visual arts, where surrounding elements can create a sense of focus or separation.
Enclosed spaces can also symbolize feelings like safety or confinement in artistic interpretations.

Literature

In literary works, enclose motifs often signify a character's emotional barriers or protective measures.
Classic literature frequently uses enclosed settings, like castles or gardens, to explore themes of isolation and introspection.

Origin of 'enclose'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'claudere', meaning 'to close', which hints at its meaning of closing something in.
Its prefix 'en-' means 'to put into or on' in Old French, combining with 'close' to give the idea of shutting something inside.

The word 'enclose' originated from the Latin word 'inclaudere', which means 'to shut in'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'enclose' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to surrounding, including enclosing physical spaces and including items in a package or envelope.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,554, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10551 motto
10552 epilepsy
10553 approbation
10554 enclose
10555 monograph
10556 concurring
10557 fearing
...