# embracing

/ɛmˈbɹeɪsɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛmbɹˈeɪsɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/embracing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. holding someone

verb · CEFR B1

holding someone in your arms to show love or friendship.

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

- The two friends were seen embracing at the airport after years apart.
- The photograph captured the family embracing on the tarmac, their relief palpable after the long-awaited reunion.

### 2. accepting an idea

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: willingly adopting or supporting a belief, theory, or change.

- Many companies are now embracing remote work to keep their employees happy.
- By embracing sustainable manufacturing practices, the corporation managed to reduce its carbon footprint while simultaneously appealing to a younger demographic.

### 3. including things

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

including or covering a wide range of different things.

For teachers: encompassing or including a variety of elements as part of a whole.

- The new law is very broad, embracing everything from taxes to education.
- The curriculum is designed to be holistic, embracing both the classical humanities and modern computational sciences.

### 4. the act of a hug

noun · CEFR B2 · Literary

the act of holding someone close.

For teachers: the action of folding someone in the arms; a hug.

- Their long embracing finally ended when the train whistle blew.
- The poet described their embracing as a moment where time seemed to stand perfectly still.

### 5. clasping a stem

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- The company is embracing new technology to improve its products.
- After years of resistance, the local community is finally embracing the transition to renewable energy sources.
- The author argues that rather than fearing the inevitable changes brought by automation, society should focus on embracing the opportunities for creative growth they provide.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.