Cool MateContain vs Encompass
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Contain
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Encompass
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Contain
| Contain | Encompass | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈteɪn/","/kənˈteɪnz/","/kənˈteɪnd/","/kənˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈteɪn/","/kənˈteɪnz/","/kənˈteɪnd/","/kənˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪz/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəst/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkʌmpəs/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪz/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəst/","/ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To hold or keep something inside. | To include or cover something completely. |
| Example | The box can contain many toys. | The job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | contain a substance, contain feelings, contain information, contain an outbreak, contain a fire | encompass a range, encompass various elements, encompass ideas, encompass different cultures, encompass multiple factors |
| Antonyms | release, exclude, free | exclude, omit, leave out |
| Common mistakes | 'Contain' is often confused with 'include' — understanding the difference in implying limits is key., Some learners may forget to use 'contain' with proper objects., Mistakenly using 'contained' as an intransitive verb. | 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 | Use 'contain' when discussing physical objects, substances, or abstract concepts like emotions. It's not typically used for non-physical situations. | 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: Contain vs Encompass
What's the difference between Contain and Encompass?
Contain: To hold or keep something inside. Encompass: To include or cover something completely.
Which is more common: Contain and Encompass?
Contain is the most common in everyday English.
Are Contain and Encompass the same CEFR level?
Contain: A2, Encompass: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Contain and Encompass interchangeably?
Not always. Contain 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.