ENGLISH
REFERENCE

embracing

v. · n. · adj.
US //ɛmˈbɹeɪsɪŋ// UK //ɛmbɹˈeɪsɪŋ// em·brac·ing
  1. 1 holding someone (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    holding someone in your arms to show love or friendship.

    the act of holding another person closely in one's arms as a sign of affection or greeting.

    Example

    The two friends were seen embracing at the airport after years apart.

    Example

    The photograph captured the family embracing on the tarmac, their relief palpable after the long-awaited reunion.
  2. 2 accepting an idea (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    starting to use or believe in a new idea, system, or way of living.

    willingly adopting or supporting a belief, theory, or change.

    Example

    Many companies are now embracing remote work to keep their employees happy.

    Example

    By embracing sustainable manufacturing practices, the corporation managed to reduce its carbon footprint while simultaneously appealing to a younger demographic.
  3. 3 including things (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    including or covering a wide range of different things.

    encompassing or including a variety of elements as part of a whole.

    Example

    The new law is very broad, embracing everything from taxes to education.

    Example

    The curriculum is designed to be holistic, embracing both the classical humanities and modern computational sciences.
  4. 4 the act of a hug (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    the act of holding someone close.

    the action of folding someone in the arms; a hug.

    Example

    Their long embracing finally ended when the train whistle blew.

    Example

    The poet described their embracing as a moment where time seemed to stand perfectly still.
  5. 5 clasping a stem (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Botany

    describing a leaf that grows around and partly surrounds a plant stem.

    clasping or surrounding a stem, particularly in reference to the base of a leaf.

    Example

    You can identify this plant by its embracing leaves that wrap around the stalk.

    Example

    The specimen is characterized by its sessile, embracing leaves, which distinguish it from other species in the same genus.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
    • amplectant
    • clasping
Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026