Enfold and infold are commonly confused words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings, which makes them homophones. We will examine the different meanings of the homophonic words enfold and infold, the word origins of the terms, and some examples of their English usage in sentences.
Enfold means to surround or envelop something; to wrap something up or enclose something. For instance, if someone wraps his arms around you, he may be said to enfold you in his arms. Enfold is a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. Related words are enfolds, enfolded, enfolding. The word enfold is derived from the prefix, en-, which means within, and the Old English word, faldan, which means to wrap up.
Infold means to fold inward. Infold is also a transitive verb; related words are infolds, infolded, infolding. Infold is also increasingly used as a noun. The word infold is derived from the prefix, in-, which means into, and the word fold.
Examples
“Given how similar our cultures are and our outreach efforts, it made sense to just enfold them into MissionSAFE,” she said. (CommonWealth Magazine)
They came together to enfold Grace’s family with support. (South Bend Tribune)
“We really wanted to create the best user experience, which is the infold.” (Gizmodo Australia)
The pub’s name, JD’s, is an abbreviated tip of the cap to the legend, as is a detailed history of the Jersey Devil on its menu’s infold. (Atlantic City Weekly)
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