Surround: Definition and Usage
Surround – Definition and Part of Speech
The word surround primarily functions as a verb in English and refers to encircling or enclosing something completely on all sides. It can also imply being encompassed or enveloped by something, indicating the presence of an all-encompassing boundary or group surrounding a particular object, person, or area.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table outlining synonyms for surround, providing brief definitions and example sentences to illustrate their use:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encompass | To include comprehensively within boundaries. | “The park encompasses a beautiful lake, providing scenic views for visitors.” | Formal/Academic |
| Encircle | To form or go around in a circle; to completely enclose. | “The children formed a human chain to encircle the playground during their game.” | Informal/Descriptive |
| Envelop | To wrap up closely, often used for covering. | “A blanket of snow enveloped the small town overnight.” | Poetic/Literary |
| Besiege | To surround a place with hostile intent to capture it. | “The ancient city was besieged by invaders for months before surrendering.” | Historical/Business |
| Covey | Specifically, in hunting: to gather or surround game. | “With patience, the hunter coveyed the birds until they were ready for release of the hounds.” | Hunting/Creative |
| Embrace | To hold or contain within an enclosed boundary. | “The mountains embrace the valley with their towering presence.” | Descriptive/Literary |
Usage Notes
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Encompass is ideal in formal and academic writing when describing something that includes other things comprehensively, such as geographical features or theoretical concepts.
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Encircle works well in both informal contexts and descriptive narratives where forming a ring around an object or area emphasizes physical action.
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Envelop often appears in poetic or literary texts to evoke imagery of something being covered closely or completely by another element, adding a layer of intimacy or intensity.
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Besiege is primarily used in historical contexts or formal business descriptions where there’s an implication of encroachment with an adversarial purpose.
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Covey, while less commonly used outside specific contexts such as hunting, carries the nuance of gathering or surrounding animals, particularly birds.
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Embrace provides a gentle and encompassing image suitable for both figurative and literal descriptions that suggest protection or containment.
Common Pitfalls
When using these synonyms interchangeably with “surround,” it’s important to be mindful of their connotations:
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Using besiege inappropriately can imply hostility where none exists, as this term traditionally suggests conflict.
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The word envelop, although similar to surround, often carries an additional implication of being covered or wrapped by something like fog or snow, not just surrounded.
Final Recap
In summary, while many words can serve as synonyms for “surround,” each has its own nuances and contexts where it is most appropriately used. From the comprehensive inclusion suggested by “encompass” to the historical connotations of “besiege,” understanding these differences allows for more precise communication.
To effectively expand your vocabulary, try creating sentences using these synonyms in various styles, from a formal essay to a casual conversation. This practice will help you better understand which word fits best according to context and desired emphasis.