Word
enclose
Phoneticsen·close
US/ɪnˈkɫoʊz/
UK/ɛnklˈəʊz/
Definitions
01to surround
v. to build a wall, fence, or boundary around an area of land.
v. to surround or hem in an area with a physical barrier such as a wall or fence.
“The garden is enclosed by a high stone wall to keep the deer out.”
“The developer planned to enclose the entire estate with a perimeter fence, citing security concerns from the future residents.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice to describe land or gardens.
02to include in an envelope
v. to put something inside an envelope or package along with a letter.
v. to insert an additional document or object into a container, typically an envelope, alongside the primary correspondence.
“Please find a copy of my resume enclosed with this application letter.”
“I have enclosed the original receipts for your records and would appreciate a confirmation of their arrival by the end of the week.”
Formal
Usage
Commonly used in business correspondence; takes a direct object.
Pitfall
I enclosed to the letter a photo.
I enclosed a photo with the letter.
The verb 'enclose' takes a direct object (the thing you are putting inside).
Real-World Examples
“Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus that encloses their DNA.” Etymology
From Middle English enclosen, inclosen, from Middle English enclos, from Old French enclose, feminine plural past participle of enclore, from Vulgar Latin inclaudō, inclaudere, from Latin inclūdō (doublet of include), from in- (“in”) + claudō (“to shut”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kleh₂u- (“key, hook, nail”). Equivalent to en- + close.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/enclose