Cool MateComprise vs Encompass
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Comprise
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Encompass
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: CompriseMost common: Encompass
| Comprise | Encompass | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kəmˈpraɪz/","/kəmˈpraɪzɪz/","/kəmˈpraɪzd/","/kəmˈpraɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəmˈpraɪz/","/kəmˈpraɪzɪz/","/kəmˈpraɪzd/","/kəmˈpraɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪz/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəst/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪz/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəst/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to be made up of or include something. | To include or cover something completely. |
| Example | The collection comprises 327 paintings. | The job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | comprise a majority, comprise several elements, comprise the group, comprise components, comprise various aspects | encompass a range, encompass various elements, encompass ideas, encompass different cultures, encompass multiple factors |
| Antonyms | exclude, omit, leave out | exclude, omit, leave out |
| Common mistakes | Using 'comprised of' instead of 'comprise'., Confusing with 'compose' and its structure., Incorrectly using it in informal contexts. | Confusing with 'comprise' which has a slightly different meaning., Using 'encompass' with an incorrect subject (e.g., not using it with things that cannot be included). |
| Usage notes | Often used in academic or formal contexts. Use 'comprise' to indicate the whole that consists of parts. Avoid using it interchangeably with 'compose' which has a different grammatical structure. | Used when talking about including various elements or aspects. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts, and can fit in academic or professional discussions. |
Frequently asked questions: Comprise vs Encompass
What's the difference between Comprise and Encompass?
Comprise: to be made up of or include something. Encompass: To include or cover something completely.
Which is more formal: Comprise and Encompass?
Comprise is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Comprise and Encompass?
Encompass is the most common in everyday English.
Are Comprise and Encompass the same CEFR level?
Comprise: B2, Encompass: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Comprise and Encompass interchangeably?
Not always. Comprise and Encompass are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.