Look-alike words
Envelop vs. Envelope
Envelop (en-VEL-up) is a verb meaning to surround or cover completely. Envelope (EN-vuh-lope) is a noun: the paper cover for a letter. Fog can envelop a town; you mail a card in an envelope.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| envelop | verb | to wrap, cover or surround something completely |
| envelope | noun | a flat paper cover used for sending a letter, card or document |
| noun | the limits of what is possible, as in the phrase push the envelope |
Envelop
verb: to wrap, cover or surround something completely
- Thick fog enveloped the harbor by evening.
- The baby was enveloped in a soft wool blanket.
Envelope
noun: a flat paper cover used for sending a letter, card or document
- Write the address in the middle of the envelope.
- Noah found two concert tickets inside the envelope.
noun: the limits of what is possible, as in the phrase push the envelope
- The new design pushes the envelope of what small cars can do.
- Test pilots stayed within the safe flight envelope during the trial.
How to remember the difference
Envelope has an extra e at the end, like the flap you fold over to seal it. Envelop, with no flap, is the action of wrapping around.
Good to know
Envelope has two accepted pronunciations: EN-vuh-lope and AHN-vuh-lope. The verb envelop always stresses the second syllable: en-VEL-up.
Spot the mistake
Darkness began to
envelopeenvelop the campsite.Correct: Darkness began to envelop the campsite.
Please put the receipt in the
envelop.envelope.Correct: Please put the receipt in the envelope.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. As the pasta water boiled, warm steam began to the kitchen.
Answer: envelop. The steam surrounds and covers the kitchen, an action, so the verb envelop fits.
2. Seal the before you drop it in the mailbox.
Answer: envelope. This is the paper cover for a letter, a noun, so envelope fits.