ensconced

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ensconced" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to settle comfortably, or to protect someone or something. For example, "He was ensconced in his chair, happy to finally be able to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the first things he did on Wednesday evening, the Vatican said, was to telephone the emeritus pope Benedict XVI, ensconced in the papal villas at Castel Gandolfo since 28 February.

The Guardian

A long-standing gemellaggio (twinning) exists between fans of Torino and Fiorentina, one which had already led to uneasy speculation before the game that the Viola – happily ensconced in fourth place – might not try as hard as they should.

The Guardian - Sport

Now that Cesc Fábregas is safely ensconced in Pep Guardiola's bosom, guzzling the teat of joga bonito, the world needs a new will-to-live-sapping transfer saga.

The Guardian - Sport

I remain to be convinced that if it wasn't for 200 protestors ensconced on the steps of St Paul's the eurozone crisis, savage coalition austerity measures or total implosion of global capitalism would be passing us by without comment.

The Guardian - Opinion

One landed in the former office of the party leader Antonis Samaras, now ensconced in the prime minister's mansion.

The Economist

Now ensconced in Burgundy with his wife and young family, he is the only non-Frenchman ever to have made Chambertin.

The Economist

SHOCK a Nigerian by reminding him that, but for "divine intervention", General Sani Abacha, who died of a heart attack on June 8th, would now be ensconced as the country's elected civilian president.

The Economist

He has included several in his cabinet, clearly believing that it is better to have them in Kabul, within the government, than ensconced in their own regions.

The Economist

With the victorious presidential campaign team ensconced in the White House and a defeated one at State, she needed to quell any lingering suspicions between the rival teams by showing a perfect loyalty.

The Economist

Two events, above all, have forced a rethink in the way things are done and have led to the most substantial reshaping of the intelligence community since 1946-48, when Stalin was ensconced in Moscow and when MI6 did not officially exist.Ever since the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001, as a seasoned operator put it, "the community has come together because abroad has come home".

The Economist

But the man who called the snap election remains ensconced in his presidential palace and shows every intention of staying there for the next five years of his seven-year term.His trusty lieutenant, who led the right into its disaster, tried at first to stay put too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ensconced" to vividly depict someone or something as being comfortably and securely settled in a particular place or situation. It adds a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ensconced" when the primary intent is simply to describe a location without implying a sense of comfort or security. Opt for more neutral terms like "located" or "situated" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "ensconced" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of being comfortably and securely settled or positioned. It often implies a sense of being well-protected or hidden away. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ensconced" is a versatile adjective that describes a state of being comfortably and securely settled. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, the word adds a sophisticated layer to writing by vividly depicting comfort and security. While it's important to avoid using "ensconced" when simply indicating location, employing it accurately can enrich your descriptive language. Consider alternatives like ""comfortably settled"" or "securely positioned" for nuanced variations. Its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian, as well as its high expert rating, underscores its reliability and effectiveness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comfortably settled

Focuses more on the feeling of comfort rather than the security implied by "ensconced".

securely positioned

Emphasizes the aspect of being in a safe or protected place, downplaying the comfort aspect.

cosily installed

Emphasizes the feeling of cosiness and ease of being in a place.

snugly situated

Suggests a cozy and sheltered location, adding a sense of warmth.

safely sheltered

Focuses on the protection and security provided by the location.

firmly established

Highlights the stability and permanence of the position.

peacefully located

Highlights the tranquility and calm of the position.

well-established

Focuses on the long-term nature of the settlement, implying a history.

deeply rooted

Suggests a strong connection and a long-lasting presence in a place.

intimately placed

Implies a close and personal connection to the setting.

FAQs

How to use "ensconced" in a sentence?

Use "ensconced" to describe someone or something that is comfortably and securely settled in a place or situation. For example: "The cat was "comfortably settled" in her favorite armchair, completely "ensconced" from the cold."

What can I say instead of "ensconced"?

You can use alternatives like ""comfortably settled"", "securely positioned", or "snugly situated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ensconced" or "entrenched"?

"Ensconced" implies comfort and security in a place or situation, while "entrenched" suggests being firmly and deeply established, often resistant to change.

What's the difference between "ensconced" and "sheltered"?

"Ensconced" suggests a deliberate and comfortable settling, whereas "sheltered" primarily emphasizes protection from harm or the elements.