The phrase "encompassed by" is spelled phonetically as /ɪnˈkʌmpəst baɪ/. The word "encompass" means to surround or enclose. In this phrase, "by" serves as a preposition indicating the object doing the encompassing. The "en-" prefix comes from the Latin "in-" meaning "in" or "inside." The "-compass" suffix comes from the Latin "com-" meaning "together" and "passus," meaning "a step." Thus, the word "encompass" literally means to "take steps together inside."
Encompassed by is a phrase that denotes the state or condition of being completely surrounded, circumscribed, or contained within something. It suggests that a particular entity or subject is encircled or enclosed by something else, either physically or metaphorically. The term encompasses the idea of being entirely enveloped or immersed within a specific context, environment, or conceptual framework.
In a physical sense, being encompassed by can refer to the act of being completely surrounded by physical objects, boundaries, or structures. For example, a person standing in the middle of a dense forest can be said to be encompassed by towering trees and thick vegetation. Similarly, a town located within mountain ranges can be described as being encompassed by majestic peaks.
Metaphorically, being encompassed by indicates the state of being fully influenced or affected by a specific set of circumstances, ideas, or emotions. For instance, an artist deeply immersed in their work can be described as being encompassed by their creativity and passion. Likewise, a leader completely devoted to their cause can be said to be encompassed by their vision and dedication.
Overall, the term "encompassed by" conveys a sense of being completely surrounded, enclosed, or affected by something, whether it be physical or abstract in nature.
The word "encompass" has a Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "encompassare", which is a combination of "en-" (meaning "in" or "within") and "com-" (meaning "together" or "with") with the word "passus" (meaning "a step" or "a pace"). In Middle English, the term "encompass" originally meant "to enclose or encircle". Over time, the phrase "encompassed by" has developed as a way to describe something that is surrounded, encircled, or contained within something else.