Brace vs. Embrace: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
"Brace" typically means to prepare for something difficult or to support physically, while "embrace" generally refers to accepting or adopting willingly or holding close in one's arms. The fundamental difference is that brace implies resistance or support
Key Differences
The term "brace" often denotes a sense of preparation or fortification against something, potentially adverse, like bracing oneself for impact. It can also refer to providing support or stabilization, as in the use of a physical brace to support a weak structure or body part. Brace, in essence, conveys a notion of readiness, strengthening, and reinforcement, which may be manifested either physically or psychologically. It is utilized to denote firmness and endurance in facing challenges, obstacles, or demanding situations, whether anticipated or sudden.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Contrastingly, "embrace" implies a wholehearted acceptance, adoption, or incorporation of ideas, beliefs, changes, or individuals. It can mean to hug or hold closely, symbolizing affection, support, and love. The term embodies a sense of openness, warmth, and inclusivity. It is often employed to articulate the acceptance or adoption of diverse thoughts, ideologies, or philosophies and can signify a harmonious union or convergence of varied elements or entities. Embrace denotes a willingness to accept or receive, showcasing a proactive and receptive approach.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
While brace involves strengthening or reinforcing to face challenges or to provide support, embrace concerns the open and warm acceptance or adoption of elements, concepts, or individuals. The contrasting nature of brace and embrace is evident in their application; where brace focuses on preparedness and support, either to withstand impact or adversity or to uphold structures, embrace revolves around acceptance, incorporation, and affection, either towards individuals or ideologies.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Brace, with its emphasis on support and fortification, portrays an active approach to handle difficulties or to stabilize and uphold. It is often associated with resilience, endurance, and steadfastness, reflecting a state of readiness and reinforcement. On the other hand, embrace, with its emphasis on acceptance and affection, represents a loving and open approach to receiving or adopting, denoting willingness and inclusivity. It is associated with warmth, openness, and acceptance, portraying a state of reception and union.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
In summary, the terms brace and embrace, with their distinct connotations and applications, provide different perspectives on interaction, acceptance, and support. Brace implies a strengthening or supporting mechanism, either in preparation for something challenging or as a means of stabilization, while embrace suggests a loving and willing acceptance or adoption, symbolizing warmth, closeness, and receptiveness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To prepare or support physically.
To accept, adopt willingly or hold close.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Usage
Often used in the context of support or readiness.
Commonly used to denote acceptance or holding close.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Grammatical Role
Can be used as a noun or verb.
Typically used as a verb, but can also be a noun.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
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Brace and Embrace Definitions
Brace
To support or hold steady.
The pillars brace the structure of the building.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Embrace
To accept or adopt willingly.
He decided to embrace the new opportunity.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Brace
A device that holds or fastens two or more parts together or in place; a clamp.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
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Embrace
To include or contain as a part.
The theory embraces a wide range of phenomena.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Brace
A device, such as a supporting beam in a building or a connecting wire or rope, that steadies or holds something else erect.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To clasp or hold close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
An orthopedic appliance used to support, align, or hold a bodily part in the correct position.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To surround or enclose
"the bold chalk ridge that embraces the prominences of Hambledon Hill" (Thomas Hardy).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
Often braces A dental appliance constructed of bands and wires that is fixed to the teeth to correct irregular alignment.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To avail oneself of
"I only regret, in my chilled age, certain occasions and possibilities I didn't embrace" (Henry James).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
(Nautical)A rope by which a yard is swung and secured on a square-rigged ship.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
An act of holding close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection; a hug.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A cranklike handle with an adjustable aperture at one end for securing and turning a bit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
(Music)A leather loop that slides to change the tension on the cord of a drum.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A vertical line, usually accompanied by the symbol {, connecting two or more staffs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
(transitive) To clasp (someone or each other) in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To seize (something) eagerly or with alacrity; to accept or take up with cordiality; to welcome.
I wholeheartedly embrace the new legislation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A symbol, { or }, enclosing two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
(Mathematics)Either of a pair of symbols, { }, used to indicate aggregation or to clarify the grouping of quantities when parentheses and square brackets have already been used. Also called bracket.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To enfold, to include (ideas, principles, etc.); to encompass.
Natural philosophy embraces many sciences.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To prepare or position so as to be ready for impact or danger
Union members braced themselves for a confrontation with management.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To attempt to influence (a court, jury, etc.) corruptly; to practise embracery.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
An act of putting arms around someone and bringing the person close to the chest; a hug.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
(figuratively) An enclosure partially or fully surrounding someone or something.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To invigorate; stimulate
"The freshness of the September morning inspired and braced him" (Thomas Hardy).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To clasp in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
I will embrace him with a soldier's arm,That he shall shrink under my courtesy.
Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
(obsolete) A measurement of length, originally representing a person's outstretched arms.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A curved instrument or handle of iron or wood, for holding and turning bits, etc.; a bitstock.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to accept with cordiality; to welcome.
What is there that he may not embrace for truth?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
That which holds anything tightly or supports it firmly; a bandage or a prop.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To encircle; to encompass; to inclose.
Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed,Between the mountain and the stream embraced.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
To include as parts of a whole; to comprehend; to take in; as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences.
Not that my song, in such a scanty space,So large a subject fully can embrace.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
(typography) A curved, pointed line, also known as "curly bracket": { or } connecting two or more words or lines, which are to be considered together, such as in {role, roll}; in music, used to connect staves.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
Intimate or close encircling with the arms; pressure to the bosom; clasp; hug.
We stood tranced in long embraces,Mixed with kisses.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A pair, a couple; originally used of dogs, and later of animals generally (e.g., a brace of conies) and then other things, but rarely human persons. (The plural in this sense is unchanged.) In British use (as plural), this is a particularly common reference to game birds.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
The act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A piece of material used to transmit, or change the direction of, weight or pressure; any one of the pieces, in a frame or truss, which divide the structure into triangular parts. It may act as a tie, or as a strut, and serves to prevent distortion of the structure, and transverse strains in its members. A boiler brace is a diagonal stay, connecting the head with the shell.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
The state of taking in or encircling;
An island in the embrace of the sea
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
(nautical) A rope reeved through a block at the end of a yard, by which the yard is moved horizontally; also, a rudder gudgeon.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
A close affectionate and protective acceptance;
His willing embrace of new ideas
In the bosom of the family
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
Include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory;
This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds
This should cover everyone in the group
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
(plural in North America, singular or plural in the UK) A system of wires, brackets, and elastic bands used to correct crooked teeth or to reduce overbite.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Embrace
Take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own;
She embraced Catholocism
They adopted the Jewish faith
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To prepare for something bad, such as an impact or blow.
All hands, brace for impact!
Brace yourself!
The boy has no idea about everything that's been going on. You need to brace him for what's about to happen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To place in a position for resisting pressure; to hold firmly.
He braced himself against the crowd.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
(nautical) To swing round the yards of a square rigged ship, using braces, to present a more efficient sail surface to the direction of the wind.
To brace the yards
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To furnish with braces; to support; to prop.
To brace a beam in a building
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To draw tight; to tighten; to put in a state of tension; to strain; to strengthen.
To brace the nerves
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
That which holds anything tightly or supports it firmly; a bandage or a prop.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A cord, ligament, or rod, for producing or maintaining tension, as a cord on the side of a drum.
The little bones of the ear drum do in straining and relaxing it as the braces of the war drum do in that.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
The state of being braced or tight; tension.
The laxness of the tympanum, when it has lost its brace or tension.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A piece of material used to transmit, or change the direction of, weight or pressure; any one of the pieces, in a frame or truss, which divide the structure into triangular parts. It may act as a tie, or as a strut, and serves to prevent distortion of the structure, and transverse strains in its members. A boiler brace is a diagonal stay, connecting the head with the shell.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A vertical curved line connecting two or more words or lines, which are to be taken together; thus, boll, bowl; or, in music, used to connect staves.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A rope reeved through a block at the end of a yard, by which the yard is moved horizontally; also, a rudder gudgeon.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A curved instrument or handle of iron or wood, for holding and turning bits, etc.; a bitstock.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A pair; a couple; as, a brace of ducks; now rarely applied to persons, except familiarly or with some contempt.
He is said to have shot . . . fifty brace of pheasants.
A brace of brethren, both bishops, both eminent for learning and religion, now appeared in the church.
But you, my brace of lords.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
Straps or bands to sustain trousers; suspenders.
I embroidered for you a beautiful pair of braces.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
Harness; warlike preparation.
For that it stands not in such warlike brace.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To furnish with braces; to support; to prop; as, to brace a beam in a building.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To draw tight; to tighten; to put in a state of tension; to strain; to strengthen; as, to brace the nerves.
And welcome war to brace her drums.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To bind or tie closely; to fasten tightly.
The women of China, by bracing and binding them from their infancy, have very little feet.
Some who spurs had first braced on.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
To place in a position for resisting pressure; to hold firmly; as, he braced himself against the crowd.
A sturdy lance in his right hand he braced.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A support that steadies or strengthens something else;
He wore a brace on his knee
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
Either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
Support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace;
Brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
Cause to be alert and energetic;
Coffee and tea stimulate me
This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 02, 2023
Brace
A device that supports a body part.
He wears a brace to stabilize his knee.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Brace
To prepare oneself for something difficult.
Brace yourself for the impact.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Brace
To furnish with a means of support or reinforcement.
The troops were braced for the incoming attack.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
FAQs
Is brace always related to physical support?
No, brace can also refer to mentally preparing for something difficult.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can brace be a noun?
Yes, brace can be a noun, as in a supportive device, or a verb, as in preparing oneself.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Can brace be used metaphorically?
Yes, brace can metaphorically mean preparing for something challenging.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can embrace refer to the acceptance of ideas?
Yes, embrace can refer to the willing acceptance or adoption of ideas or beliefs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is a brace always visible?
No, some braces, like dental braces, can be relatively inconspicuous.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Can embrace be unwilling?
Typically, embrace implies a willing acceptance or a hug.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Does embrace always involve affection?
While often used to imply affection, embrace can also mean general acceptance or adoption.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is brace only used in negative contexts?
While often used in challenging contexts, brace isn’t strictly negative and can mean any form of support or steadiness.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Does a brace always restrain movement?
Not always, some braces allow a degree of movement while providing support.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can one embrace change?
Absolutely, one can embrace change by accepting it willingly.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Can embrace denote inclusivity?
Yes, embrace often implies inclusivity and openness to various elements or ideas.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is an embrace always welcoming?
Typically, an embrace is considered a welcoming and affectionate gesture.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is an embrace always physical?
No, embrace can also refer to metaphorical acceptance or adoption.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can brace imply readiness?
Yes, to brace often implies preparing or making oneself ready for something.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Can the term brace be used in medical contexts?
Yes, brace is frequently used in medical contexts to refer to supportive devices.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
