What is encircle? Pronunciation and usage in English

encircle means . Learn how to pronounce and use encircle through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of encircle

encircleverb

/ɪnˈsɜːkl//ɪnˈsɜːrkl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "encircle." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • en - as in "pen"
  • cir - as in "sister"
  • cle - as in "delicious"

2. Phonetics (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ˈɛnˌsɜːrkl/

3. A Step-by-Step Guide to Pronunciation:

  • "en": Say "en" as in the word "pen."
  • "cir": This is the trickiest part! Think of the word "sister." The "ci" sound is short.
  • "cle": This is like the word “delicious”. The ‘cle’ sounds like a short “le”.

4. Putting it Together:

Say it all together slowly: “En-sir-cle.” Then speed up a bit, focusing on linking the sounds smoothly.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: "en."
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are a few resources:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word (like just the "cir" part)?

Usage and examples with the word encircle in English

Let's break down how to use the word "encircle" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, and using it correctly can really strengthen your writing and speaking.

1. Core Meaning:

  • To surround completely: This is the most common and fundamental meaning. "Encircle" means to completely surround something with a ring or circle. Think of it like a ring of people surrounding a prize winner.

2. Common Usage & Examples:

  • Physical Objects:

    • "The trees encircled the garden, creating a peaceful and secluded space." (Surrounding trees)
    • "The soldiers encircled the enemy's camp, preparing for an attack." (Surrounding soldiers)
    • "The snake encircled the mouse, ready to strike." (Surrounding snake)

  • Abstract Concepts (Figurative Language): This is where “encircle” really shines. It’s often used to describe a feeling, situation, or idea that surrounds and dominates someone.

    • "Guilt encircled her, making her feel suffocated." (Guilt overwhelming her)
    • “Fear encircled the town after the rumors began.” (Fear dominating the town)
    • "The constant stream of bad news encircled him, leaving him feeling hopeless." (Bad news dominating his thoughts)
    • "His family encircled him, offering support and love." (A feeling of support and love surrounding him)

  • Time & Events:

    • “A series of bad luck encircled him throughout the year.” (Bad luck repeatedly happening)
    • "The festival encircled the entire city for a week." (The festival taking over the city)

3. Key Nuances & Considerations:

  • Completeness: “Encircle” implies a complete surrounding. You can't just partially encircle something.

  • Sense of Restriction or Overwhelm: While it can describe something pleasant (like support), “encircle” often carries a subtle sense of being trapped, overwhelmed, or dominated by something. This is why it’s favored in figurative language.

  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, consider these synonyms: surround, encompass, enclose, encompass, engulf, border, hem in.

4. Examples in Sentences (showing different contexts):

  • Simple: "The rain encircled the small village, preventing any travelers from reaching it."
  • Figurative: "His anxieties encircled him at night, making it difficult to sleep."
  • Descriptive: “The lights encircled the stage, creating a vibrant atmosphere.”
  • Historical: “The Roman legions encircled the city, waiting for surrender.”

5. How to Practice:

  • Think about things that might "encircle" you: What emotions, situations, or ideas feel like they are completely surrounding you?
  • Try writing sentences using "encircle" in a figurative way. Don’t just use it for physical objects.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, general conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you'd like to improve, or a scenario where you want to use "encircle"?

Synonyms for the word encircle

Practice with vocabulary encircle

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The security forces moved quickly to __________ the perimeter, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.
  2. During the strategic planning session, the team decided to __________ the high-priority objectives with a red marker for immediate attention.
  3. The new trade agreement will __________ all businesses operating within the specified economic zone, ensuring fair competition.
  4. The ancient city walls were designed not only to __________ the urban center but also to deter potential invaders.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following verbs can describe the act of drawing a closed line around a specific data point on a graph to highlight its significance? a) delineate b) encircle c) underline d) sketch

  2. The general's strategy was to __________ the enemy's main supply base, effectively cutting off all routes for reinforcements and provisions. a) encompass b) besiege c) encircle d) barricade

  3. The company's new employee welfare program aims to __________ a wide range of benefits, from health insurance to professional development opportunities. a) delineate b) encompass c) define d) embrace

  4. When reviewing the technical drawing, please __________ the components that require immediate modification using a distinct visual cue. a) encircle b) border c) outline d) highlight

  5. The comprehensive report managed to __________ the entire scope of the project, including its challenges, successes, and future recommendations. a) conceptualize b) integrate c) encapsulate d) fathom

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The security team completely surrounded the access point to prevent unauthorized entry. Rewrite using "encircle": _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  2. Original: The general's strategy involved completely surrounding the enemy encampment to force a surrender. Rewrite using a related word form of "encircle": _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  3. Original: The new software system will include all previous functionalities and add several new ones. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "encircle" or its forms): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. encircle
  2. encircle
  3. govern (or regulate, affect, apply to)
  4. encircle

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) encircle
  2. b) besiege, c) encircle
  3. b) encompass, d) embrace
  4. a) encircle, c) outline, d) highlight
  5. c) encapsulate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The security team moved to encircle the access point to prevent unauthorized entry.
  2. The general's strategy relied on the complete encirclement of the enemy encampment to force a surrender.
  3. The new software system will incorporate all previous functionalities and add several new ones.

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