encompass
UK[ɪnˈkʌmpəs]US[ɪnˈkʌmpəs]
v
to include a wide range of ideas, subjects, etc.
v
to completely cover or surround an area.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
compass
en
in, into
compass
to measure, go around
Etymology
the word "encompass" entered english in the 14th century from the old french 'encompasser', meaning "to surround, enclose." this french term was built from the prefix 'en-' (from latin 'in-', meaning "in") combined with 'compas', meaning "circle, measurement," which itself derived from the latin verb 'compassare' ("to pace out, measure together"). the latin root 'passus' means "a step." thus, the literal notion is of stepping or measuring a complete circle around something. over time, the concrete sense of physically surrounding an area broadened to the more abstract meaning of including all aspects of a subject or idea within its conceptual bounds.
Analysis
Structure: en (in, into) + compass (to measure, go around)
en: from latin 'in-', a prefix meaning "in, into, on." it functions as an intensifier or a verb-forming prefix.
compass: from latin 'compassare', meaning "to pace out, measure," via old french 'compas'. in this word, it functions as the core root conveying the sense of going around or encircling.
Examples
the course will encompass all major works of the romantic period.
the fog began to encompass the entire valley.
her responsibilities encompass both management and creative direction.