Words / B2

im-BRAYS/ɪmˈbreɪs/

To embrace is to hug, or — in academic and policy English — to accept an idea willingly: embrace change; embrace a method. Adopt is a close policy twin. Hug is the physical everyday word. Sixth forms asked to embrace mixed-ability grouping. Do not use it for reluctantly following a rule — that is comply.

Meaning

To hug someone; also to accept an idea or change willingly.

Examples

• “Sixth forms were asked to embrace mixed-ability grouping.”
• “She embraced her daughter at arrivals, which is the physical sense.”

Good to know

embrace an idea / change / diversity. Physical: hug. Policy close: adopt / welcome. Opposite tone: resist / reject. Speeches and editorials. Not “embrace with” for the idea sense.

Near in meaning

adopt

New