The word "encompass" is spelled with the letter "e" followed by "n." The third letter is "c" and the fourth letter is "o." The "m" comes next, followed by "p," and "a." Finally, the word concludes with "s" and "s." The IPA phonetic transcription for "encompass" is /ɪnˈkʌmpəs/. The stress is on the second syllable, with a short "i" sound in the first and a schwa in the second syllable. The "c" is pronounced as "k" and the final "s" sound is doubled.
Encompass is a verb that refers to the act of surrounding or enclosing something or someone, both physically and metaphorically. The word implies the idea of including a wide range of things within its boundaries or scope.
In its literal sense, encompass is often used to describe the physical action of encircling or enclosing an object within a certain area. For example, a large fence can encompass a garden, providing physical boundaries to the space it surrounds. Similarly, a fortress would encompass a city or an area, acting as a protective barrier.
In a metaphorical sense, encompass refers to the act of comprehensively including or taking into account various aspects, ideas, or elements. It describes the process of covering a wide range of subjects or aspects within a particular field. For instance, a comprehensive report that encompasses various viewpoints and perspectives would mean it includes a comprehensive range of arguments, opinions, and theories.
Additionally, encompass can also involve the idea of surrounding something with feelings or emotions. For instance, the feeling of love can encompass an individual, enveloping them with warmth, joy, and affection. In this context, encompass suggests a complete immersion of the person in the emotional state.
Overall, encompass is a versatile word that encompasses the ideas of physical enclosure, comprehensive inclusion, and emotional envelopment.
To surround; to encircle; to enclose.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word encompass comes from the Old French word encompasser, which originated from the prefix en- meaning to make into or to cover, and the word compasser which means to measure or to signify. Compasser itself shares its roots with the Latin word com- meaning together, and passus meaning a step or a pace. Ultimately, encompass can be traced back to the Latin words com- and passus with the meaning of to enclose or to encircle.