all-embracing
|all-em-brace-ing|
🇺🇸
/ɔl ɪmˈbreɪsɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ɔːl ɪmˈbreɪsɪŋ/
includes everything
Etymology
'all-embracing' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'all' + the present participle 'embracing' (from the verb 'embrace').
'embrace' came into English via Old French 'embracer' (en- + 'bracer'/'bras' meaning 'arm') and ultimately traces back to Latin elements related to 'bracchium' ('arm'); the compound 'all-embracing' is a straightforward Modern English formation combining 'all' and 'embracing'.
Originally, 'embrace' primarily meant 'to hold in the arms' (a physical clasp), then broadened metaphorically to mean 'to include' or 'accept'; 'all-embracing' has come to mean 'including everything' or 'comprehensive.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
including or covering everything or everyone; comprehensive; encompassing all aspects.
They proposed an all-embracing strategy to tackle the social and economic problems.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/18 03:13