Encase vs. Enclose — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 9, 2024
Encase means to completely cover or enclose an object with a material, focusing on protection or preservation, while enclose involves surrounding or covering something, often for containment or inclusion purposes.
Difference Between Encase and Enclose
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Encase is typically used when an object is completely covered or wrapped in a material, usually for protection or preservation. On the other hand, enclose refers to the act of surrounding or covering something, which can be for the purpose of containment, security, or simply to delineate a boundary.
While encase suggests a full and possibly airtight covering, enclose can suggest a broader range of applications, including areas or spaces that are surrounded but not necessarily sealed. A park, for example, can be enclosed with a fence without being encased.
Encase emphasizes the aspect of protection and preservation more strongly than enclose. Enclose, meanwhile, can often involve aspects of inclusion or the act of incorporating something within a boundary for organizational or functional purposes.
Encasing something often involves taking steps to ensure that the item is kept safe from external conditions that could cause harm, such as moisture, air, or dust. Enclosing can involve using fences, walls, or even natural barriers to create a defined space or to incorporate something within an area or within certain limits.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To completely cover or surround an object with a material, often for protection.
To surround or cover something with a barrier or boundary.
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Primary Purpose
Protection or preservation.
Containment or inclusion.
Coverage
Tight and possibly airtight.
Can be partial or full, not necessarily airtight.
Typical Context
Objects being protected from damage or environmental conditions.
Areas or objects being contained within boundaries for organizational purposes.
Examples
Encasing an artifact in glass.
Enclosing a garden with a fence.
Compare with Definitions
Encase
To seal within something to prevent damage.
The photograph was encased in a waterproof frame.
Enclose
To surround something with a barrier.
The property was enclosed by a high wall.
Encase
To surround something tightly, usually with a solid material.
The device is encased in a durable metal shell.
Enclose
To contain or hold something within boundaries.
The park encloses a beautiful lake.
Encase
To wrap or cover securely.
The gift was encased in shiny wrapping paper.
Enclose
To include something within a space or container.
Please enclose a check with your application.
Encase
To completely cover an object for protection.
The museum artifact was encased in a protective glass display.
Enclose
To wrap or cover something within.
The letter was enclosed in a stamped envelope.
Encase
To envelop entirely for preservation purposes.
Ancient seeds were encased in clay pots.
Enclose
To demarcate an area for a specific purpose.
The area for construction was enclosed with caution tape.
Encase
To enclose in or as if in a case.
Enclose
To surround on all sides; close in
A valley that is enclosed by rugged peaks.
Encase
To enclose, as in a case.
Enclose
To fence in so as to prevent common use
Enclosed the pasture.
Encase
To inclose in or as if in a case. See Incase.
Enclose
To build or equip with a roof and walls
Enclosed the deck for winter use.
Encase
Enclose in, or as if in, a case;
My feet were encased in mud
Enclose
To contain, especially so as to envelop or shelter
"Every one of those darkly clustered houses encloses its own secret" (Charles Dickens).
Enclose
To insert into the same envelope or package
Enclose a check with the order.
Enclose
(transitive) to surround with a wall, fence, etc.
To enclose lands
Enclose
(transitive) to insert into a container, usually an envelope or package
Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope if you require a reply.
Enclose
To inclose. See Inclose.
Enclose
Enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering;
Fog enveloped the house
Enclose
Close in or confine
Enclose
Surround completely;
Darkness enclosed him
Enclose
Introduce;
Insert your ticket here
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to encase something?
Encasing something means completely covering it with a material, often for protection or preservation.
Is encasing always airtight?
While encasing often implies a tighter, possibly airtight covering, it is not always airtight depending on the materials and methods used.
Can something be both encased and enclosed?
Yes, an object can be both encased (completely covered for protection) and enclosed (within a boundary or space) depending on the context.
How does encasing affect an object’s accessibility?
Encasing an object often makes it less accessible, as the primary goal is protection, which can involve sealing the object away from direct contact.
What is the purpose of enclosing an area?
The purpose of enclosing an area is to create a boundary around it, often for containment, security, or organizational purposes.
Why would someone enclose a space?
Someone might enclose a space for various reasons, including security, privacy, or to create a designated area for a specific purpose.
Do you need special materials to encase an object?
Yes, encasing typically requires durable or specific materials that can protect the encased object from harm or degradation.
Can enclose involve natural barriers?
Yes, enclosing can involve natural barriers such as rivers, mountains, or vegetation to define a boundary.
What is a common application of encasing?
A common application of encasing is in the preservation of artifacts, where items are encased in materials like glass to protect them from environmental damage.
What distinguishes enclose from similar terms?
Enclose is distinguished by its emphasis on creating boundaries or spaces for containment or inclusion, rather than tight or airtight covering.
How do environmental conditions affect the choice between encasing and enclosing?
Environmental conditions can dictate whether encasing or enclosing is more appropriate, depending on the level of protection or containment required.
Is encasing a modern practice?
Encasing has been practiced for centuries, though the materials and techniques have evolved over time.
What are the benefits of enclosing an area?
Benefits of enclosing an area include enhanced security, controlled access, and the ability to organize space effectively.
Can encasing be temporary?
Yes, encasing can be temporary, especially in scenarios where protection is needed for a short period or in transit.
What legal considerations might apply to enclosing property?
Legal considerations for enclosing property can include zoning laws, property rights, and regulations concerning boundary fences or walls.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
