Words / C1

in-KLOOS-iv/ɪnˈkluːsɪv/

Inclusive means including all that is mentioned, or (of a price) with charges in: Monday to Friday inclusive, inclusive of VAT, an inclusive policy (not shutting people out). Include is the verb; inclusion is the noun. Exclusive is the opposite pole. Do not write inclusive for “nicely worded” with no who-is-in test.

Meaning

Including everyone or everything mentioned; of a price, with all charges in.

Examples

• “The fee is inclusive of materials; travel is not.”
• “The fee is inclusive of printing; travel is extra, which should be on the poster.”
• “An inclusive shortlist is who got through the door, not a slogan on a mug.”

Good to know

Including all mentioned; of prices, all charges in. Noun: inclusion. Opposite: exclusive. Policy sense needs a real who-is-in test.

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