embrace
B2Formal to neutral; common in both written and spoken contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To hold someone closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection.
To accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can denote both a physical act (hugging) and a metaphorical act (accepting an idea). The metaphorical use is more common in formal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is identical. Slight frequency variation in collocations.
Connotations
Equally positive in both varieties when metaphorical. Physical 'embrace' may be perceived as slightly more formal/literary in everyday US speech compared to 'hug'.
Frequency
The metaphorical sense ('embrace change') is slightly more frequent in American business/academic writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
embrace [sb]embrace [sth] (abstract)embrace [sb] in one's armsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “embrace one's fate”
- “an embrace of death (literary)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe adopting new strategies or technologies (e.g., 'The company must embrace digital transformation').
Academic
Common in social sciences/humanities to describe accepting theories or ideologies.
Everyday
Primarily the physical sense of hugging; metaphorical use less common in casual chat.
Technical
Rare; if used, it's in non-literal, abstract senses (e.g., 'embrace a new methodology').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She embraced her brother before he left for university.
- The government has embraced the new environmental targets.
American English
- He embraced his daughter after the graduation ceremony.
- The startup quickly embraced remote work practices.
adverb
British English
- He held her embracely. (archaic/very rare)
American English
- They stood embracely for a moment. (archaic/very rare)
adjective
British English
- The sculpture depicted an embrace couple. (rare/poetic)
American English
- The painting showed an embrace figure. (rare/poetic)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The mother embraced her child.
- They embraced when they said goodbye.
- She embraced the chance to study abroad.
- The two friends embraced warmly.
- The community has begun to embrace renewable energy sources.
- His speech urged everyone to embrace diversity.
- The philosopher's work embraces a wide range of contradictory ideas.
- The new policy represents a wholesale embrace of market principles.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BRACE (support) around someone you EMBRACE – you are supporting them physically or accepting their ideas.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCEPTANCE IS PHYSICAL ENCLOSURE / IDEAS ARE OBJECTS TO BE HELD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите всегда как 'обнимать'. В абстрактном значении это чаще 'принимать', 'одобрять'.
- Избегайте кальки 'обнимать изменения' для 'embrace change' – используйте 'принимать изменения'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'embrace' for a quick, casual hug (better: 'hug').
- Using the continuous form unnaturally for the abstract sense (e.g., 'I am embracing the idea' sounds odd; prefer simple present/perfect).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'embrace' in its most common metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to formal. The physical sense can be used in everyday contexts, but 'hug' is more common informally. The abstract sense is typical in formal writing/speech.
Rarely. It inherently carries a positive connotation of willing acceptance. To express forced acceptance, words like 'acquiesce to' or 'submit to' are better.
The noun is also 'embrace' (e.g., 'a loving embrace'). There is no separate noun form like 'embracement' in modern use.
'Embrace' implies enthusiastic acceptance or adoption. 'Include' is neutral, meaning simply to contain as part of a whole. A plan can 'include' many points without 'embracing' their underlying philosophy.