envelopper

Envelopper is a French verb that means to wrap, cover, or surround something or someone. It is used for both physical wrapping, as with a parcel or a garment, and figurative wrapping, such as concealing or enveloping a space, a situation, or emotions. In everyday use, one enveloppe a package in paper, a road can be envelopped by mist, and a story can be enveloped in mystery.

Etymology and related forms: envelopper derives from Latin involvere "to wrap up," passing through Old French envelopper. The related noun enveloppe denotes an envelope or wrapper, a distinct word that shares the same root but functions as a different part of speech.

Usage and conjugation: as a transitive verb, envelopper requires a direct object: j’enveloppe, tu enveloppes, il enveloppe, nous enveloppons, vous enveloppez, ils enveloppent. The passé composé is formed with avoir: j’ai enveloppé. The verb also exists in non‑finite forms such as enveloppant (present participle) and enveloppé (past participle). It can be used reflexively as s’envelopper to mean to wrap oneself or to be enveloped by something, e.g., s’envelopper de brouillard.

Common contexts: physical packaging (envelopper un colis), protective wrapping (envelopper dans du papier), and broader figurative uses (envelopper une atmosphère, un récit, une pensée). The choice of synonyms depends on nuance; envelopper often emphasizes the action of wrapping or surrounding, while surrounding or entourer can be used for less tactile proximity.

See also: enveloppe (the noun meaning envelope or wrapper) and s’envelopper (reflexive use). Envelopper shares its root with several related terms that express containment, enclosure, or surrounding in various senses.