English Reference
Verb

encompass

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ɛnˈkəmpəs/ UK /ɛnkˈʌmpəs/ en·com·pass UK spelling encompassed, encompasses, encompassing

v.to include many different things or ideas in one group. You use this when you want to say that something covers a wide range of topics or areas.

v.to include or contain a wide range of aspects, ideas, or objects. Often implies a comprehensive or exhaustive scope within a single entity or category.


SIMPLE

The new law will encompass all types of digital privacy.

CONTEXTUAL

The festival aims to encompass every style of local music, from traditional folk to modern electronic beats.

COMPLEX

A truly global strategy must encompass not only economic growth but also environmental sustainability and social equity to be effective in the long term.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. It is frequently used in academic and formal writing to describe the scope of a study, policy, or theory.

Usage encompass variety

Remote Oceania encompasses the major island groups of Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Polynesia.

Phys.org· 14 Aug 2026

Initially built as a chemical fertilizer plant , the complex grew into an expansive establishment encompassing glycerin and explosives factories by 1935.

The Conversation· 14 Aug 2026

Common in history writing


From Middle English encompassen. By surface analysis, en- + compass.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English encompassen
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated