all-encompassing

/ˌɔːl ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɔːl ɪnˈkʌmpəsɪŋ/ (ame, ipa)

all-encompassing — adjective

1. describes something that covers every possible part, aspect, or person within a

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes something that covers every possible part, aspect, or person within a particular situation, without leaving anything out or ignoring anyone.

例句

The new factory safety guide offers an all-encompassing set of rules for every task in the workshop.

attributive: 'all-encompassing set of rules'

Professor Okonkwo designed an all-encompassing course that covers African history from ancient times to today.

attributive + relative clause: 'course that covers...'

同義詞
  • comprehensive

    similar meaning but less absolute; 'comprehensive' suggests thorough coverage, while 'all-encompassing' implies total inclusion

  • all-inclusive

    often used for prices, packages, or holidays that include everything; narrower scope than 'all-encompassing'

  • thorough

    focuses on careful attention to detail rather than breadth of coverage

  • exhaustive

    emphasises that every possible item has been covered; more formal and technical

反義詞
  • limited

    covers only some parts, not everything

  • narrow

    restricted in scope, lacking breadth

  • partial

    incomplete, covering only a portion

用法筆記

Typically appears before the noun it describes (attributive position). The noun is usually an abstract concept such as 'theory', 'system', 'agreement', 'approach', or 'plan'. Less common in casual conversation; more frequent in formal or academic writing.

常見錯誤

❌This restaurant offers an all-encompassing menu with many choices.
✅This restaurant offers a wide-ranging menu with many choices.
💡'All-encompassing' is too strong for a restaurant menu; use it for theories, systems, or agreements that truly cover every element.