embrace
im-BRAYS
/ɪmˈbreɪs/
To willingly and enthusiastically accept, adopt, or welcome an idea, policy, culture, or person.
While 'accept' can imply passive resignation, 'embrace' suggests active, warm, and enthusiastic adoption.
The story behind the word. The word 'embrace' traces its lineage back to the Old French 'embracier,' which literally meant 'to clasp in the arms.' This was built from the Latin prefix 'in-' (into) and 'bracchium' (arm). Over the centuries, this physical gesture of affection and safety blossomed into a powerful metaphor for eagerly welcoming new ideas, cultures, or lifestyles into one's life.
Word relationships
- adopt: Adopt implies taking something on as one's own, whereas embrace emphasizes the warmth and enthusiasm of the acceptance.
- welcome: Welcome focuses on the initial reception of something, while embrace suggests a deeper, ongoing integration.
- reject: Reject means to refuse to accept or consider something, which is the direct opposite of embracing it.
- spurn: Spurn is a much harsher form of rejection, implying contempt or disdain.
Commonly confused with
- accept: Acceptance can be passive or reluctant, whereas embracing is always active and positive.
Word family
- embraced (adjective): Welcomed or accepted with enthusiasm.
- embracing (noun): The act of welcoming or adopting something.
Collocations
- embrace change
- embrace diversity
- warm embrace
- embrace technology
Idioms & expressions
- embrace the struggle
- embrace the chaos
Example sentences
- "To remain competitive in the modern market, traditional companies must embrace digital transformation and remote work models." Discussing organizational change and modern work cultures.
Memory hook
Think of opening your arms wide to give a giant hug to a brand new idea. You are literally 'in-bracing' it. Embrace is a warm hug for a new idea.
When not to use
Do not use 'embrace' if you are merely tolerating something or accepting it under duress.
Fun facts
- In heraldry, two arms holding each other are described as 'embraced.'
- The figurative use of 'embrace' to mean 'include or comprise' first appeared in English in the late 14th century.
Related words
Explore more words
espouse, enthusiastic, acclaim, acquiesce, tolerant, acceptance
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