Envelop vs. Envelope: Surround or Container?

The Difference

• Envelop (verb) = to surround, wrap, or cover completely
• Envelope (noun) = a paper container for letters

Using Envelop

“Envelop” means to completely surround or engulf:

• “Fog began to envelop the city.” ✓
• “The music seemed to envelop the audience.” ✓
• “Darkness enveloped the forest.” ✓
• “A sense of calm enveloped her.” ✓

Pronounced: en-VEL-up

Using Envelope

“Envelope” is the container you put mail in:

• “Please put the letter in an envelope.” ✓
• “She sealed the envelope and mailed it.” ✓
• “The envelope contained the contract.” ✓
• “I need to buy some envelopes.” ✓

Pronounced: EN-vuh-lope (or ON-vuh-lope)

Also used figuratively in “push the envelope” (to exceed limits):

• “The design team likes to push the envelope.” ✓

Memory Trick

• Envelop is a verb (action word)—no E at the end
• Envelope is a noun (thing)—has an E at the end like most nouns referring to objects

Pronunciation Helps

If you say it out loud, the stress pattern differs. The verb stresses the middle syllable; the noun stresses the first.