Encompassing: meaning, definitions and examples

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encompassing

[ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a broad sense

Including or covering all the relevant aspects, ideas, or elements.

Synonyms

complete, comprehensive, inclusive, overall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
encompassing	Used when describing something that covers or includes a wide range of elements or aspects. The museum's collection is encompassing, featuring art from every continent. Her interests were encompassing, including everything from science to the arts.
comprehensive	Used when something is thorough and includes all or nearly all elements or aspects. Ideal for detailed and extensive scopes. The book provides a comprehensive overview of European history. They conducted a comprehensive review of the company's policies.
inclusive	Used to denote that something includes a wide range of items or people, often highlighting diversity and acceptance. The policy is inclusive, considering the needs of all communities. They strive to create an inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
complete	Used to indicate that something is whole, with no parts missing or omitted. Often emphasizes the state of being finished or entire. She delivered a complete report on the project. He has a complete set of the author’s works.
overall	Used to summarize the total or general aspect of something, often giving a broad perspective. Overall, the event was a great success. The overall quality of the product is impressive.

Examples of usage

The report provides an encompassing overview of the current situation.
Her speech was all-encompassing, addressing every possible concern.
The project aims to create an encompassing solution to the problem.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

surrounding or enclosing

Surround and have or hold within.

Synonyms

embrace, enclose, envelop, surround.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
encompassing	This word was already explained above. His studies were encompassing a broad range of fields.
enclose	Enclose is appropriate for situations where you are talking about physically surrounding something or putting something inside a space. Please enclose this letter in the envelope provided. The garden is enclosed by a white picket fence.
surround	This word is useful when describing something that is on all sides of an object or person, often for protective, natural, or situational reasons. The castle is surrounded by a large moat. He felt surrounded by friends and family at the party.
envelop	Envelop is used when something completely covers or surrounds another, often in a way that is protective or concealing. The mist enveloped the entire village, making it hard to see. She felt enveloped in warmth after entering the cozy room.
embrace	This word is best used when talking about holding someone warmly with the arms, or to accept eagerly an idea or practice. They embraced each other tightly after the long separation. The community embraced the new policy with enthusiasm.

Examples of usage

The garden was encompassed by a tall hedge.
The town is encompassed by beautiful countryside.
His arms were warm as they encompassed her.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English 'encompassen,' which means to enclose or surround.
Its roots can be traced back to the Old French word 'encombrer,' meaning to hinder, indicating the act of surrounding something.
The prefix 'en-' means 'to cause to be,' while 'compass' refers to a circle or a boundary, suggesting the idea of enclosing.

Literature

The term is often used in literature to describe themes that include multiple perspectives or experiences.
In poetry, encompassing imagery can create a rich tapestry of meaning and emotion, encapsulating the essence of a moment or feeling.
Writers use the term to convey inclusivity, portraying diverse characters and viewpoints to create a fuller narrative.

Environmental Science

Encompassing approaches in environmental science highlight the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human activities.
Conservation efforts often focus on encompassing various habitats to preserve biodiversity effectively.
Sustainable development requires an encompassing view that considers economic, social, and environmental factors together.

Philosophy

Philosophers argue that an encompassing worldview helps us understand our place in the universe and our relationships with others.
The concept is crucial in ethics, where encompassing moral frameworks can guide decisions affecting many people.
A holistic philosophy embraces encompassing perspectives to form a complete understanding of complex issues.

Education

Good teaching practices often involve an encompassing curriculum that addresses various subjects and skills.
Classrooms that encompass diverse learning styles promote better understanding and retention among students.
Educational models that are encompassing tend to foster life-long learning by integrating real-world applications.

Translations

Translations of the word "encompassing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abrangente

🇮🇳 व्यापक

🇩🇪 umfassend

🇮🇩 meliputi

🇺🇦 всеохоплюючий

🇵🇱 obejmujący

🇯🇵 包括的な (ほうかつてきな)

🇫🇷 englobant

🇪🇸 abarcador

🇹🇷 kapsayıcı

🇰🇷 포괄적인

🇸🇦 شامل

🇨🇿 zahrnující

🇸🇰 zahŕňajúci

🇨🇳 包括的 (bāokuò de)

🇸🇮 vključujoč

🇮🇸 umfangsmikill

🇰🇿 қамтитын

🇬🇪 მოცემული

🇦🇿 əhatəli

🇲🇽 abarcador

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,400, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12397 peeled
12398 terrifying
12399 saliva
12400 encompassing
12401 splendor
12402 tenets
12403 activism
...