Definitions
- Describing the act of enclosing or encircling something or someone. - Referring to the area or space around an object or person. - Talking about the environment or atmosphere that surrounds a place or situation.
- Describing the act of including or covering something or someone completely. - Referring to the range or scope of something, such as an idea or concept. - Talking about the ability to understand or comprehend something fully.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe the idea of something being all around or covering something else.
- 2Both words can be used to describe physical or abstract concepts.
- 3Both words involve the idea of something being complete or whole.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Surround is more commonly used to describe physical objects or spaces, while encompass is more often used to describe abstract concepts or ideas.
- 2Action: Surround implies a more active action of encircling or enclosing, while encompass implies a more passive action of covering or including.
- 3Scope: Encompass suggests a broader range or scope than surround, which typically refers to a more limited area or space.
- 4Connotation: Surround can have a neutral or negative connotation, while encompass tends to have a positive connotation of completeness or inclusivity.
- 5Formality: Encompass is generally considered more formal than surround.
Remember this!
Surround and encompass are synonyms that both describe the idea of something being all around or covering something else. However, surround is more commonly used to describe physical objects or spaces, while encompass is more often used to describe abstract concepts or ideas. Surround implies a more active action of encircling or enclosing, while encompass implies a more passive action of covering or including. Additionally, encompass suggests a broader range or scope than surround and has a more positive connotation of completeness or inclusivity.