What is the difference between embracing and hugging

You mean subtle difference you don't quite embrace, or hug? Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. The main difference is the level of affection shown in each. Improve this answer. I think this captures the difference well. I don't think I'd ever tell my kids, "It's time to leave now; go embrace your Aunt Lois. Particularly if you didn't like her very much!

Isn't 'embraced' used in non-affectionate situations, as well? Show 3 more comments. When applied to personal contact, the answer about level of affection is apt. Sheikhzada Rayees Sheikhzada Rayees 11 1 1 bronze badge.

There's an upvoted answer from more than two years ago that says this already. The ship hugged the shoreline. The Oxford English Dictionary defines hug I. Then there is the usage meaning 'to cling to', used for ships and other things such as pathways.

As for embrace , the OED provides 1 a. There are many figurative uses, including 2 h. So feel free to embrace your friend or relative and hug your lover. For example: The embrace of the new guidelines was asked of the entire department. For example: He gave his girlfriend a quick hug right away but was later seen holding her in an affectionate embrace for quite a while. What is the difference between hug and embrace?.

Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 Hutchinson, Aaron. Name required. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. The words adopt and espouse are common synonyms of embrace. While all three words mean "to take an opinion, policy, or practice as one's own," embrace implies a ready or happy acceptance.

The meanings of adopt and embrace largely overlap; however, adopt implies accepting something created by another or foreign to one's nature. The synonyms espouse and embrace are sometimes interchangeable, but espouse adds an implication of close attachment to a cause and a sharing of its fortunes.

See more words from the same century. Accessed 12 Nov. Nglish: Translation of embrace for Spanish Speakers. Britannica English: Translation of embrace for Arabic Speakers. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Log in Sign Up. Thesaurus embrace verb. Save Word.