Meaning
Embrace has two main meanings:
- (verb) To hold someone closely in your arms as a sign of affection, support, or acceptance.
- (verb) To willingly accept or support an idea, change, or opportunity.
- (noun) An act of holding someone closely in your arms.
Grammar and Usage
- Verb (transitive): "embrace someone/something"
- Noun: "an embrace"
Patterns
- embrace + person → "She embraced her friend."
- embrace + idea/change/opportunity → "He embraced the challenge."
- in someone’s embrace → "She felt safe in his embrace."
Common Phrases
- warm embrace – a loving or affectionate hug
- tight embrace – a strong or firm hug
- embrace change – to accept new ways or ideas
- embrace the opportunity – to take advantage of a chance
Collocations
- verb + embrace: give, share, welcome, accept
- adjective + embrace: warm, loving, gentle, tight
- embrace + noun: embrace diversity, embrace technology, embrace ideas
Examples
- She embraced her child after a long trip.
- He warmly embraced his colleague before saying goodbye.
- The company embraced new technology to stay competitive.
- She decided to embrace the challenge of moving abroad.
- Their embrace showed how much they missed each other.
- The nation embraced reform after years of struggle.
- He felt comfort in his mother’s embrace.
- We must embrace opportunities rather than fear them.
- The couple shared a long embrace at the station.
- The students embraced the idea of a new project enthusiastically.
Synonyms or Related
- For physical meaning (hug): hug, hold, cuddle, clasp
- For abstract meaning (accept): adopt, welcome, accept, support, endorse