Words / B2

in-VEL-uh-p/ɪnˈveləp/

To envelop is the verb meaning to wrap around, cover, or surround something completely: envelop in; enveloped by fog. Stress is on the second syllable /ɪnˈveləp/. Envelope /ˈenvələʊp/ (already in A2) is the paper cover for a letter. Engulf (this batch) is often more violent (fire, flood). Fog enveloped the site in the log; still quote visibility. Mix-up: envelop vs envelope; envelop vs develop; do not write envelop for posting a letter.

Meaning

To wrap around, cover, or surround something completely (envelop in).

Examples

• “Fog enveloped the site in the log; still quote visibility if given, not the paper cover of a letter.”
• “Darkness enveloped the glen in the poem, which is still a named setting — quote the line.”

Good to know

envelop in / with; enveloped by. Verb stress: /ɪnˈveləp/. Noun trap: envelope (letter cover, already in A2). Close: surround / engulf (this batch, harsher). Geography, literature, and science. Wrap around — name the covering (fog, smoke, cloth), never the stationery.

Near in meaning

surround, wrap, shroud

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