WordGarden.ioembrace
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛmbrˈeɪs/
US
- /ɛmˈbreɪs/
Meanings
Verb
to hold someone closely in the arms
to accept or adopt something willingly
to include or encompass something as part of a whole
Noun
an act of holding someone closely in the arms
willing acceptance or adoption of something
Beyond the definition
To embrace something is to welcome it with open arms—literally and figuratively! You might embrace a loved one in a warm hug or embrace a new challenge with enthusiasm. It means accepting something fully, whether it is an idea, a change, or a person. Think of it like wrapping your arms around something you value.
Sometimes, "embrace" describes the act of hugging itself—a tender embrace between friends. Other times, it is about adopting a belief or lifestyle: "She embraced minimalism and decluttered her home." The word can also be a noun, describing a close hug. It is a powerful word that speaks to acceptance, warmth, and welcoming the new into one's life.
"Embrace" is a versatile word with roots suggesting a physical holding—derived from the concept of wrapping your arms around someone. This original meaning remains central: to embrace someone is to hug them tightly, expressing affection, comfort, or support. Think of a mother embracing her child after a long day or athletes embracing after a hard-won victory.
However, "embrace" extends far beyond the purely physical. It also means to accept something willingly and enthusiastically. This could involve accepting a difficult truth ("He finally embraced the reality of his situation"), adopting a new idea ("The company embraced innovative technologies"), or welcoming a major life change ("She embraced her newfound independence"). When you embrace an idea, it is as if you are giving it space to grow within your mind; when you embrace a lifestyle, you are actively choosing to live by its principles. It suggests a positive and open-minded approach—a willingness to welcome something in rather than resist it.
Furthermore, the word can be used to describe something that includes or encompasses a variety of elements. For instance, a comprehensive legal policy might embrace several different issues, or a broad philosophy might embrace various schools of thought. In this sense, "embrace" signifies a wide reach that holds multiple components together. Whether used as a verb (to hug, accept, or include) or a noun (a physical hug), it is a word that speaks to connection, inclusion, and the power of welcoming new experiences with open arms.
Examples
- 1
Family affection
She ran across the room and embraced her grandmother.
- 2
Sports celebration
After the final whistle, the two players embraced.
- 3
Local culture
When he moved abroad, he tried to embrace the local culture.
- 4
Workplace change
The company was slow to embrace remote work at first.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Opportunity
She decided to embrace the opportunity instead of waiting for a safer one.
- 6
Learning mindset
It's easier to learn when you embrace mistakes as part of the process.
- 7
Acceptance
After months of fighting it, she finally embraced the fact that her plans had changed.
- 8
Noun use
They stood in a long embrace before saying goodbye.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- embracenounverb
Forms
- embracedpast tenseverbnoun
- embracing-ing formverbnoun
- embracespluralnounverb