encircle

Compared meaning: to surround or form a ring around something (verb).

比较义项：环绕、圈住（动词）。

• circle

  Describes moving along a circular path around something, or drawing a ring or loop around it on paper; the surrounding can be partial or in motion, and it sounds plain and everyday.

  表示沿圆形路径绕着某物移动，或在纸上围着某物画一个圈；这种围绕可以是局部的、处于运动中的，语气平实、口语化。

  Please circle the correct answer on your test paper.

  请在你的试卷上圈出正确答案。

• encircle 本词

  A more formal verb meaning to form a complete, usually static ring around something, stressing total enclosure on every side, often used for walls, hedges, or armed forces.

  语气更正式，表示围成一个完整、通常静止不动的环，强调从各个方向把某物彻底包围起来，常用于描述墙壁、树篱或武装力量。

  Tall hedges encircle the garden, leaving no gap on any side.

  高高的树篱把花园完全围住，任何一侧都没有缺口。

Circle means to move along a circular path around something, or to draw a ring around it; this can be partial. Encircle is more formal: to form a complete ring around something, often for walls, hedges, or soldiers. Not covered: circle as a noun.

这两个词都可表示围绕某物，但circle常指沿圆形路径移动，或随手在纸上画一个圈，围绕的动作可以是局部的、进行中的；encircle语气更正式，强调把某物从各个方向彻底、完全地包围起来。circle还有“圆圈”这一名词义项，此处不作比较。