envelop

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "envelop" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it as a verb meaning to wrap something, or as a noun meaning a paper or plastic container used to enclose a letter or other item. Example sentence: She enveloped the letter in parchment paper before placing it in the mailbox.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fight the landlords, but don't let the battle envelop your life.

The Guardian

The brouhahas surrounding Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling guarantee an afternoon of heightened emotion whatever happens, but the real drama could envelop the manager if things don't go to plan for the visitors.

The Guardian - Sport

Following your train of thought we may as well envelop the whole world into the EU and have one grand party.Achal Prakash AtlantaPolitics in Sri LankaSIR – I would like to set the record straight on some of the facts in your recent article on Sri Lanka ("The war president", July 5th).

The Economist

More than 300 Boko Haram members are apparently training in the Malian desert town of Gao.How far religious extremism and political violence will envelop north-west Africa in 2013 will depend on whether ECOWAS nations receive enough funds from the West to organise a military force capable of taking on the extremists.

The Economist

Even on security, the compromise-seeking Mexicans "want to smoke their joint and have it too": they both back the war against criminals and demand that all violence cease.The Mexican soul is already heavily studied: foreign readers may begin to sympathise with Alexander von Humboldt's remark, gamely quoted by Mr Castañeda, that "Mexicans love to envelop their most insignificant acts in mystery".

The Economist

The story ends, fittingly, with contented reflection as Polina finds herself on the crest of a dazzling career.Mr Vivès mixes black-and-white illustrations with blocks of ashy grey (a very different look from the dreamy aquamarines that envelop "A Taste of Chlorine", his previous work published in English in 2011).

The Economist

Palestinians fear that it will eventually envelop not only the East Jerusalem settlements (which the Israelis do not count as settlements as they long ago unilaterally annexed the city) but also vast urban blocks, such as Maale Adumim, in the West Bank.

The Economist

That stiff-armed handshake, for instance, that maintains a prudent distance between shakers.Venezuelans, unless they actively dislike you (and sometimes, even if they do), use limbs to embrace and envelop rather than to ward off fellow humans.

The Economist

The purpose of my researches was to rob the Egyptians of their papyri; of which I found a few hidden in their breasts, under their arms, above their knees, or on the legs, and covered by the numerous folds of cloth that envelop the mummy.By the early 20th century, however, archaeologists had begun to adopt the methodology of science.

The Economist

"We are hopeful that a resolution to this issue will envelop this region in greater security".Yet Kuwait is also a participant in the coalition of Sunni-majority states assembled by Saudi Arabia to push back against the Houthi offensive in Yemen.

The Economist

The first bad reason is its determination to envelop everybody in the warm embrace of a Scandinavian-style welfare system.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "envelop", consider the emotional connotation. It often suggests a complete or overwhelming covering, suitable for both physical and abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "envelop" when a simpler word like "cover" or "wrap" suffices. "Envelop" implies a more thorough and often encompassing action.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "envelop" is as a transitive verb, indicating the action of completely surrounding or covering something. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "envelop" signifies a thorough covering or surrounding, often implying an immersive or encompassing effect. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical function is primarily as a transitive verb used in various contexts ranging from literal descriptions of physical phenomena to figurative representations of emotional states. It's frequently found in news articles and encyclopedic entries and neutral register. To avoid misuse, remember that "envelop" suggests a complete and often overwhelming covering, distinct from simpler terms like "cover" or "wrap". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enclose

This suggests containing something within defined boundaries.

surround

This term focuses on the action of encircling something completely.

engulf

This indicates a powerful and often destructive act of surrounding.

encircle

To form a circle around

encase

This implies a more rigid or protective enclosure.

cocoon

To wrap up carefully or protectively

swathe

This implies wrapping something tightly.

shroud

This evokes a sense of concealment or mystery in addition to covering.

cloak

This suggests covering something as if with a garment, often for disguise.

immerse

This means to completely cover in a liquid or other substance.

FAQs

How to use "envelop" in a sentence?

Use "envelop" to describe something that completely surrounds or covers something else. For instance, "Fog began to envelop the valley" or "A sense of calm enveloped her". Use the verb form of this word and don't confuse it with "envelope".

What can I say instead of "envelop"?

You can use alternatives like "surround", "encase", or "enclose", depending on the specific context. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance of covering or containment.

Is it correct to use "envelop" to describe an emotional state?

Yes, "envelop" can be used metaphorically to describe an emotional state that completely surrounds someone, as in "A wave of sadness enveloped him".

What's the difference between "envelop" and "cover"?

"Cover" generally means to place something over or upon something else, while "envelop" implies a more complete and often immersive covering. "Envelop" suggests that the object is entirely surrounded.