Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Embrace
To hold someone closely in your arms as a sign of affection; to welcome, accept, or adopt something (such as an idea, change, or opportunity) with enthusiasm.
verbCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
Picture a friend returning from a long trip. You swing your arms wide and pull them into a warm, tight hug, then smile as you simultaneously invite a new idea or opportunity to your life, fully embracing it.
🔊
Sounds Like
em-BRAYS
👀
Looks Like
visually resembles 'brace' (an arm or support), with the 'em-' prefix suggesting an action done to someone or something you hold or surround
📝
Remember This
Embrace has both a physical sense (hug) and a figurative sense (to welcome or adopt). The noun form refers to the act of hugging; the verb form covers both hugging and accepting something.
📚
Other Forms
embracenoun
embracedverb
embracingverb
embracesverb
embracernoun
🔗
Connect With
hug, clasp, welcome, adopt, espouse, include, surround
📌
Note
Use embrace for both people and ideas. When hugging someone, you 'embrace' them; when adopting a policy or practice, you 'embrace' it. Do not confuse with similar-sounding terms like 'embrace' vs 'embraceable' (the latter means able to be hugged).
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- She embraced her grandmother in a warm hug.
- The company embraced the new technology and updated its systems.
Synonyms
hugwelcomeadoptespouseaccept
Antonyms
rejectrefusedismiss
Etymology
From Old French embracier, from en- (in) + brace (arm); ultimately from Latin bracchium 'forearm' or 'arm'. The sense evolved from 'to clasp with the arms' to both physical hugging and figurative acceptance.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: EM-BRACE = imagine your arms forming a brace around someone you care about; the word literally means to 'put arms around' or surround with acceptance.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.