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embrace

hug / accept willingly / include / an act of hugging

/ɛmˈbɹeɪs/

Transitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: embracespast: embracedpp: embraceding: embracingcomp: []sup: []

The word carries a strong sense of warmth and openness, whether physical or intellectual. When used for people, it implies a deep emotional bond and safety, moving beyond a simple hug to suggest a more profound connection or relief. In an abstract sense, it suggests a total and enthusiastic adoption. Unlike "accept," which can be passive or reluctant, to embrace a change is to welcome it with vigor and a positive mindset, treating the new idea as something valuable to be held close.

Countable when referring to a specific physical act of hugging someone. Uncountable when referring to the general state of acceptance or the encompassing nature of a concept.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon; Karen is at a PTA meeting and David is in his home office.
David Smith

I'm telling the team we need to embrace a more agile workflow.

David Smith
Karen Smith
Karen Smith

Stop using corporate speak and just tell them to work faster.

💡
David uses 'embrace' in a business context (accepting a new theory/method), while Karen's response highlights their dynamic by dismissing his attempt to sound like a visionary manager. The phrase 'corporate speak' is used as natural slang for jargon.

Meanings

Transitive Verbhug
[~ someone][~ something]

To hold someone closely in one's arms as a sign of affection.

"She leaned forward to embrace her long-lost brother."

Transitive Verbaccept willingly
[~ a belief][~ theory][~ or change]

To accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically.

"The company decided to embrace new technology to stay competitive."

Transitive Verbinclude
[~ a range of ideas]

To include a large number of things or a wide range of ideas.

"The report embraces all the key aspects of the economic crisis."

Nounan act of hugging

The act of holding someone tightly in one's arms.

"They shared a warm embrace before saying goodbye at the airport."

Etymology

Derived from the Old French embracer, which is a combination of en- meaning in and bras meaning arm. This traces back to the Latin bracchium, referring to the arm, evolving from a literal physical action of encircling with arms to a figurative sense of adoption or inclusion.

Related Words

Last Updated: June 9, 2026Report an Error