Did you
know?
encompass
verb
- to include, especially different types of things
(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
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Encompass is from "en," meaning "to make, put in" and compass, which refers to "space, area, extent, circumference." Compass stems the Old French compas, "circle, radius, pair of compasses," which gave us the name for the mathematical instrument ,which is a V-shaped device used to draw circles or measuring distances on maps.
The mariners directional tool is also called a compass, perhaps because it is round and has a point like a mathematical compass. A compass is also a device for finding direction which has a needle that can move easily and that always points to magnetic north.
Finally, compass is used figuratively in the sense of "direction" and is frequently used in conjunction with moral, such as this quote from US president Barack Obama:
"If we are to win this struggle and spread those freedoms, we must keep our own moral compass pointed in a true direction."
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SYNONYMS
comprise, cover, embody, embrace, have, hold, incorporate, involve, take in
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SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation
"I chose a career that encompasses a wide range of tasks and responsibilities."