What Is The Meaning Of Enclose
In everyday communication, both in spoken and written form, the word ‘enclose’ appears frequently. Whether it’s in business emails, real estate descriptions, or conversations about construction and nature, ‘enclose’ carries a range of meanings depending on the context. Understanding the meaning of enclose allows for clearer communication and better interpretation of documents, instructions, and descriptions. This topic explores the various definitions, uses, origins, and examples of the word enclose, offering a complete guide for general readers and English learners alike.
Basic Meaning of Enclose
The word enclose is a verb that generally means to surround something on all sides or to place something inside a container or boundary. It comes from the Latin wordincludere, which means to shut in or to confine. In modern English, the meaning of enclose can be both physical and abstract.
Common Definitions
- To surround: To build walls, fences, or borders around something.
- To include: To put something inside an envelope or package.
- To trap or contain: To close off an area so nothing escapes or enters freely.
These meanings are often used interchangeably, but they depend on the specific situation or sentence structure.
Examples of Enclose in Daily Use
To better understand how to use the word enclose, here are some examples from different scenarios:
- In a letter: Please find the invoice enclosed with this letter.
- In construction: They are planning to enclose the patio with glass walls.
- In farming: The landowner decided to enclose the field to keep the cattle safe.
- In packaging: She enclosed a small gift inside the box before sealing it.
Each example shows how the meaning of enclose changes slightly but remains centered around the idea of surrounding or including something within a boundary.
Enclose in Different Contexts
Business and Communication
In formal communication, especially in letters and emails, enclose is often used to refer to documents or items that are sent along with the main message. For example, a job application may state, I enclose my resume and cover letter. Here, enclose means to include something in the same envelope or attachment.
Architecture and Construction
In the context of building and design, to enclose means to create a structure that is closed off. For instance, enclosing a balcony can mean adding walls or windows to make it an indoor space. This usage is physical and structural, focusing on making an area private or protected.
Agriculture and Land Use
In farming or rural settings, enclosing land often involves building fences or hedges around fields. This can serve to protect crops or animals, define property boundaries, or restrict access. Historically, the enclosure movement in Europe changed the way land was owned and used, making enclose a significant term in economic and social history.
Related Words and Synonyms
There are several words that share a similar meaning with enclose. Knowing them can help enrich vocabulary and better understand the context in which enclose is used.
- Surround
- Include
- Wrap
- Seal
- Fence in
- Encircle
While these words are not identical in meaning, they often appear in similar situations and can sometimes be used interchangeably, depending on the sentence.
Enclose vs. Include
It’s important to note the difference between enclose and include. While both can suggest putting something together with something else, enclose specifically implies that the item is physically contained or surrounded. For example:
- I include a photo in the email. (digital attachment)
- I enclose a photo in the envelope. (physical object)
This distinction helps determine the correct word based on the context whether the situation involves something physical or digital, open or enclosed.
Grammar and Usage
Tense Forms
Like most regular verbs, enclose follows standard tense rules:
- Present: I enclose
- Past: I enclosed
- Past participle: Enclosed
- Present participle: Enclosing
Examples:
- He encloses a map with every letter.
- They enclosed the area last week.
- She is enclosing her final project now.
Passive Use
Enclose is often used in the passive voice, especially in formal writing:
- The document is enclosed for your review.
- The garden was enclosed by a stone wall.
Symbolic or Abstract Use of Enclose
While most uses of the word enclose are physical, it can also be used metaphorically. For example:
- He felt emotionally enclosed by the situation.
- The book’s themes enclose a deep sense of loss and reflection.
In these cases, enclose implies being trapped or surrounded emotionally or conceptually, rather than physically.
Origin and Etymology
The word enclose entered English from Old French enclos, which meant shut in or confined. This itself came from the Latin wordincludere. Over time, the word has retained its original meaning but has expanded in use across different disciplines and everyday language.
The related noun form is enclosure, which refers to the state of being enclosed or a physical space that is enclosed. For example, The animals live in an enclosure at the zoo.
Tips for Using Enclose Effectively
To use the word enclose clearly and effectively, consider the following tips:
- Use enclose when referring to something physically placed inside a container or boundary.
- Use it in formal letters to indicate that an additional item is included.
- Avoid using enclose in digital-only contexts unless the attachment is treated like a physical enclosure.
- Be mindful of the object being enclosed make sure the sentence clearly states what is being surrounded or added.
The meaning of enclose is broad yet precise, offering useful ways to describe the act of surrounding, including, or securing something. Whether you’re enclosing a document in a letter, a space within a fence, or an idea within a paragraph, the word helps clarify the action being taken. Its flexibility makes it a valuable addition to both spoken and written English, and understanding how to use it correctly enhances clarity and effectiveness in communication. By learning the full meaning and context of enclose, we become more confident in expressing both physical arrangements and abstract ideas.