Embrace
/ɪmˈbreɪs/
verbnounB1
Definition
Embrace as a verb means to hold someone tightly in your arms, usually to show love or friendship. It can also mean to accept or welcome an idea, change, or situation with a positive attitude. As a noun, embrace is the act of hugging or holding someone closely.
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See It in Action
To hold someone closely with arms (verb)
- •She embraced her mother tightly after the long trip.
- •They embraced to say goodbye before he left.
- •The child embraced the puppy with joy.
To accept or welcome an idea, change, or situation (verb)
- •He embraced the challenge with confidence.
- •The company embraced new technology quickly.
- •She embraced the opportunity to learn a new language.
The act of holding someone closely; a hug (noun)
- •Their embrace showed how much they cared.
- •After the game, the teammates shared a warm embrace.
- •The embrace between old friends was full of happiness.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "embrace" like "hug" (A1 word), but it can also mean accepting something new or different in your life, not just holding someone
- ✓Picture two people wrapping their arms around each other warmly, showing care and comfort
- ✓It’s the feeling when you meet a friend after a long time and give a big, warm hug
- ✓Sounds like "I'm brace" → imagine bracing yourself with open arms ready to hold or accept something
- ✓Think of stories where characters embrace new ideas to grow or change, like accepting a new culture or way of life
- ✓NOT like "hold" (which can be cold or casual), "embrace" is warm and full of feeling
- ✓NOT like "accept" alone, because embrace shows active, happy acceptance, not just quiet agreement
- ✓As a noun, NOT just "touch," but a full, close hug that shows emotion
Try Other Words
- •Hug: to hold someone close with arms (Use when only physical closeness is meant)
- •Accept: to agree or welcome an idea or situation (Use when focusing on agreeing with or welcoming something, not physical contact)
- •Welcome: to gladly accept something new (Use when showing happiness about a change or idea)
- •Hold: to keep something or someone in your hands or arms (Use for general physical keeping, less emotional than embrace)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "em-" (in, into) + root "brace" (to hold firmly)
- •Etymology: From Latin "embracare," meaning to clasp in the arms
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to mean holding someone closely; later also used metaphorically for accepting ideas
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical hugs and for showing acceptance or support for ideas, changes, or situations
- •Interesting fact: "Embrace" often shows a positive and active choice to accept or welcome something, not just a passive reaction
Reflect & Connect
•When do you find it easier to embrace a new idea or change? What helps you do that?
•How does the feeling of a physical embrace compare to embracing a new experience or challenge?
Fill in the blanks
1.She embraced her friend ___ after hearing the good news.
2.The team embraced the new strategy ___ because they believed it would help them win.
3.Unlike just holding someone, to embrace means to do it with ___ and warmth.
4.When people say "embrace change," they mean to ___ it, not avoid it.
5.The mother’s embrace was full of ___ and comfort.
6.He embraced the opportunity ___, showing he was ready to learn.
7.You can embrace a person with your arms or embrace an idea with your ___.