Meaning & use
embraced
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“embraced” is a form of “embrace”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
Held someone closely in your arms, usually to show love, welcome or comfort.
Grammar: Often takes an object: she embraced her son; with 'each other' it can also stand alone: they embraced.
Patterns
- embraced someone
- embraced each other
She embraced her brother at the airport.
The old friends embraced after ten years apart.
He embraced the crying child and told her it was fine.
verbtransitiveapproving
Accepted an idea, change or belief eagerly and willingly.
Grammar: Takes an object such as an idea or a technology: the school embraced the new method.
Patterns
- embraced something
- embraced the idea of something
The company embraced remote work during the pandemic.
Young voters embraced the new candidate.
He embraced his heritage and began learning the language.
verbtransitiveformal
Included something as one of several parts or topics.
Grammar: Takes an object; formal use: the course embraced history, art and music.
Patterns
- embraced something
The study embraced all age groups in the city.
Her interests embraced music, travel and cooking.
The new law embraced several earlier rules.
Word forms
| base form | embrace |
|---|---|
| third person singular | embraces |
| -ing form | embracing |
Common combinations
- warmly embraced
- The coach warmly embraced his players after the final.
- embraced change
- The staff embraced change and learned the new system.
- embraced the idea
- The mayor embraced the idea of a new park.
- embraced each other
- The sisters embraced each other and cried.
- eagerly embraced
- Shoppers eagerly embraced online delivery.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hugged
- Hugged is the everyday word for a physical embrace, while embraced sounds a little more formal or emotional.
- adopted
- Adopted suggests taking up a practice or idea, but embraced adds enthusiasm.
- welcomed
- Welcomed means received gladly, whereas embraced suggests fully taking something as your own.
- accepted
- Accepted is neutral and can mean going along reluctantly, but embraced always means willing and warm acceptance.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: embraced or embarrassed?
embraced vs embarrassed
Embarrassed means feeling awkward or ashamed, and it is unrelated to hugging or accepting.
Practice
Within a year, almost every teacher had ____ the new software and stopped using paper.
Choose one answer.
Embraced means willingly accepted, which suits adopting the new software. Embarrassed sounds similar but means ashamed.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “embraced”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.