encompass

Encompass is a verb meaning to surround, enclose, or include within one scope. It can refer to a literal act of surrounding, as in a wall that encompasses a garden, or to a figurative sense, such as a plan that encompasses multiple goals or a field of study that encompasses history, science, and culture. The term can also mean to include comprehensively or to comprise.

Etymology: The word combines the prefix en- with compass, ultimately from a root related to boundary or surrounding. It has been part of English since the Middle Ages and is often used in formal or literary contexts.

Usage: In spatial terms, a fence encompasses the property. In abstract usage, a research program encompasses several disciplines and methods. The phrase "to encompass" implies breadth or completeness, sometimes with a sense of bringing together diverse elements.

Software use: Encompass is the name of a mortgage loan origination system. It is used by lenders to process, underwrite, close, and fund loans. The product originated with Ellie Mae and is now maintained by ICE Mortgage Technology following the company’s acquisition. In this context, Encompass is a proper noun and should be capitalized.

See also: encircle, include, comprise, envelope.