verb

encompass

in-KUM-puhs

Encompass (verb) means to include a wide range of things as part of a single whole. Example: “The role encompasses everything from budgeting to hiring.”

verb

To include a wide range of things as part of a single whole.

"The role encompasses everything from budgeting to hiring."

"Her research encompasses both medieval and early modern law."

formal To surround or enclose something completely.

"A high stone wall encompasses the entire garden."

How to use encompass

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo cover or include a lot of different things.

When to use it

Formal to neutral; common in academic, legal and business writing.

Memory tip

Encompass takes a direct object with no preposition: say "it encompasses three regions", not "it encompasses of".

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

encompass vs comprise encompass vs incorporate

Common pairings

encompass a range of broadly encompass encompass everything from

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The role _____ everything from budgeting to hiring.

Etymology

Formed from the prefix en- "in" and compass in its older sense of a circuit or extent.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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include cover embrace comprise span surround enclose encircle ring

Antonyms

exclude omit

Related words

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Rhymes for encompass

compass

See all rhymes for encompass →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between encompass and include?

Include simply says something is one of the parts; encompass stresses that the whole reaches across a wide or varied range. "The course includes statistics" names one component, while "the course encompasses statistics" suggests statistics is one of many fields it spans.

Is encompasses a word?

Yes, it is the third person singular present form: "the term encompasses several disorders". The past tense and participle is encompassed.

What is the difference between encompass and comprise?

Comprise means to be made up of a complete list of parts, so "the committee comprises nine members" implies there are exactly nine. Encompass makes no claim to completeness and simply says the range is broad.

What is the meaning of encompass?

"encompass" (verb) means to include a wide range of things as part of a single whole.

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