embrace

/ɪmˈbreɪs/
verbnounIntermediate to accept or support something enthusiastically
general

to accept or support something enthusiastically

The company embraced remote work policies during the pandemic.

The company accepted and supported remote work policies during the pandemic.

💡

Can be used both literally (hugging) and figuratively (accepting an idea).

general

to hug someone tightly

She embraced her child after a long day at work.

She hugged her child tightly after a long day at work.

💡

The literal meaning of the word.

Collocations

embrace changeto accept and support changeembrace a new ideato accept and support a new ideaembrace someoneto hug someone tightly

Related Phrases

open armsphrase
willingness to accept or support
warm embracephrase
a friendly or affectionate hug

💡Pro Tip

Literal vs. Figurative Use

Remember that 'embrace' can mean both hugging someone and accepting an idea or change enthusiastically.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Always consider the context to determine whether 'embrace' is used literally or figuratively.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'embracer', from 'en-' (in) + 'bracer' (to arm), from 'bras' (arm).

📝Usage Notes

The word can be used both literally (hugging) and figuratively (accepting an idea). In a figurative sense, it often implies enthusiastic acceptance or support.

Word Breakdown

em-
in, into
prefix
+
-brace
to arm, to hold
root
English Dictionary