ENGLISH
REFERENCE

encapsulate

v.
C1 Advanced US //ɛnˈkæpsəˌɫeɪt// UK //ɛnkˈæpsjʊlˌeɪt// en·cap·su·late
Definition

v. to express the most important parts of something in a short and clear way. It is like putting a big idea into a small, perfect container.

v. to express the essential features of something succinctly; to represent the core essence of a concept in a condensed form.


SIMPLE

Her short speech managed to encapsulate the mood of the whole team.

CONTEXTUAL

The museum's new exhibit aims to encapsulate the history of the city within a single gallery space.

COMPLEX

The final chapter of the biography fails to encapsulate the subject's complex legacy, focusing instead on a few minor controversies that occurred late in his career.

Origin

From en- + capsule + -ate (verb-forming suffix).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often used in the passive voice to describe how an idea is represented.

Word family

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