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embrace
/ɪmˈbreɪs/
to accept or support something enthusiastically
She decided to embrace her new career path with confidence.
She accepted and supported her new career path 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
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
rootEnglish Dictionary