B2noun 1K

Envelope

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈenvələʊp//ˈɒnvələʊp/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈenvələʊp//ˈɑːnvələʊp/"]/

Meaning of Envelope

a flat paper container used for sending letters in, with a part that you stick down to close it

In simple words: A flat, usually rectangular container for letters or documents.

Envelope in a sentence

• She carefully placed the letter inside the envelope before mailing it.
• The envelope was sealed tightly to protect the confidential documents.
• In biology, the virus has an outer envelope that protects its genetic material.
• Astronomers study the sun's envelope to understand solar storms better.
• He sent an envelope containing the invitation to all his friends.
• The theater's seating capacity was increased to accommodate a larger envelope of guests.
• The pilot adjusted the aircraft's envelope to ensure safe flying conditions.

How to use Envelope

Use 'envelope' when referring to the paper container for letters. It's common in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it in technical contexts unrelated to mailing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'envelope' as 'in-velope' — it holds a letter inside.

Related words

Collocations with Envelope

• bulky
• fat
• thick
• open
• rip open
• slit open
• contain something
• enclose something
• in an/​the envelope
• into an/​the envelope
• on an/​the envelope
• the back of an envelope

Synonyms for Envelope

• packet
• wrapper
• cover

Opposites of Envelope

• uncovering
• opening

Common mistakes with Envelope

• Confused with 'envelop' which means to surround.
• Using 'envelope' as a verb mistakenly.
• Mispronouncing it as 'envelop' instead of 'en-vel-ope'.

Frequently asked questions about Envelope

What does Envelope mean?

A flat, usually rectangular container for letters or documents.

What is the definition of Envelope?

a flat paper container used for sending letters in, with a part that you stick down to close it

How do you use Envelope in a sentence?

She carefully placed the letter inside the envelope before mailing it.

Can you give another example of Envelope?

The envelope was sealed tightly to protect the confidential documents.

What are synonyms for Envelope?

Common alternatives include packet, wrapper, cover.

What is the opposite of Envelope?

Opposite meanings include uncovering, opening.

What words go with Envelope?

It commonly pairs with bulky, fat, thick, open, rip open, slit open, contain something, enclose something, in an/​the envelope, into an/​the envelope, on an/​the envelope, the back of an envelope.

What are common mistakes when using Envelope?

Confused with 'envelop' which means to surround. Using 'envelope' as a verb mistakenly. Mispronouncing it as 'envelop' instead of 'en-vel-ope'.

How do you pronounce Envelope?

US: /["/ˈenvələʊp//ˈɑːnvələʊp/"]/, UK: /["/ˈenvələʊp//ˈɒnvələʊp/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Envelope?

Use 'envelope' when referring to the paper container for letters. It's common in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it in technical contexts unrelated to mailing.

What CEFR level is Envelope?

"Envelope" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.