different between clasp vs encompass

English

Etymology

Noun dated in the 13th century AD and verb dated in the late 14th century AD; from claspe, possible modification of clapse, which is from Old English clyppan (“to grasp”). Related to English enclasp (“embrace, hold tightly in one's arms”).

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /klæsp/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /kl??sp/
• Rhymes: -æsp, -??sp

Noun

clasp (plural clasps)

1. A fastener or holder, particularly one that clasps.

   I always have a hard time working the clasp on this necklace!

2. (in the singular) An embrace, a grasp, or handshake.

   He took her hand in a firm clasp.

Translations

Verb

clasp (third-person singular simple present clasps, present participle clasping, simple past and past participle clasped)

1. (transitive) To take hold of; to grasp; to grab tightly.

   They clasped hands and parted as friends.

   • 1897, Bram Stoker, Dracula Chapter 21:

     The poor dear lady shivered, and I could see the tension of her nerves as she clasped her husband closer to her and bent her head lower and lower still on his breast.

2. To shut or fasten together with, or as if with, a clasp.

Synonyms

• beclasp (dated)
• (grasp tightly): begrip, grasp, grip; See also Thesaurus:grasp
• (shut with a clasp):
• (shut as if with a clasp): attach, join, put together; see also Thesaurus:join

Related terms

• enclasp

Translations

References

• Douglas Harper (2001–2021) , “clasp”, in Online Etymology Dictionary

Anagrams

• calps, claps, scalp

English

Etymology

From Middle English encompassen, equivalent to en- +? compass.

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /?n?k?m.p?s/, /?n?k?m.p?s/, /?n?k?m.p?s/

Verb

encompass (third-person singular simple present encompasses, present participle encompassing, simple past and past participle encompassed)

1. (transitive) To form a circle around; to encircle.
2. (transitive) To include within its scope; to circumscribe or go round so as to surround; to enclose; to contain.

   Synonym: embrace

3. (transitive) To include completely; to describe fully or comprehensively.

   This book on English grammar encompasses all irregular verbs.

   Synonym: (now rare) comprehend

4. (transitive) To go around, especially, to circumnavigate.

   Drake encompassed the globe.

Related terms

• encompassment

Translations

References

• encompass in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• encompass in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.