embraceor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Neutral, Informal (in physical sense)
Quick answer
What does “embraceor” mean?
To hold someone closely in one's arms, typically as a sign of affection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To hold someone closely in one's arms, typically as a sign of affection; to accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically.
To include or contain as part of something broader; to take up or adopt (an opportunity, idea, or lifestyle) eagerly; to encircle or surround.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The core meanings are identical. Spelling of related words: 'embraceable' (both), 'embracer' (both).
Connotations
Both share connotations of warmth (physical) and positive acceptance (figurative). The figurative use is slightly more formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency. The figurative use is prevalent in both UK and US political, business, and academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “embraceor” in a Sentence
embrace [object]embrace [object] + [adverbial] (e.g., 'embrace something enthusiastically')be embraced by [agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “embraceor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council voted to embrace the new environmental policy.
- He embraced his daughter before she left for university.
American English
- The company needs to embrace remote work trends.
- They embraced after not seeing each other for years.
adjective
British English
- She gave him an embraceable look. (rare/poetic)
American English
- The character was written to be embraceable. (rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe adopting new strategies or technologies. 'The company must embrace digital transformation to remain competitive.'
Academic
Used to discuss accepting theories, methodologies, or paradigms. 'The study embraces a postmodernist framework.'
Everyday
Primarily used for physical hugs. 'They embraced when they met at the airport.'
Technical
Rare. Could be used in computing metaphorically (e.g., 'The software embraces open-source principles').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “embraceor”
- Confusing 'embrace' with 'emphasize'. *'He embraced the importance of...' (Incorrect if meaning is 'stressed'). Using it negatively: *'She embraced the bad news.' (Incorrect; typically used for positive acceptance).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, especially in its figurative sense. It implies willing, enthusiastic acceptance. In its physical sense, it is usually affectionate but can be neutral (e.g., a formal greeting) or, in rare contexts, desperate or restraining.
No, the typical pattern is 'embrace [object]'. An adverbial phrase can follow: 'He embraced the idea with enthusiasm.'
The noun is also 'embrace', e.g., 'a warm embrace', 'an embrace of new technology'.
In the physical sense, they are synonyms, but 'embrace' sounds slightly more formal/literary than 'hug'. 'Embrace' is far more common in figurative use, where 'hug' is not used.
To hold someone closely in one's arms, typically as a sign of affection.
Embraceor is usually formal, neutral, informal (in physical sense) in register.
Embraceor: in British English it is pronounced /ɪmˈbreɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪmˈbreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “embrace the suck (slang, chiefly US: accept a difficult situation)”
- “with open arms (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BRACE holding things together tightly; an EM-BRACE is like putting someone or something IN that BRACE with your arms or acceptance.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCEPTANCE/INCLUSION IS A PHYSICAL EMBRACE.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'embrace' in its FIGURATIVE sense?