Including Meaning
Including Definition & Usage
Used to introduce one or more elements that are part of a larger group or set, emphasizing inclusion.
Examples
- "The concert will feature various artists, including a performance by the famous pianist."
- "She brought a variety of snacks, including chips, fruit, and cookies."
- "The team is made up of experts from different fields, including economics and engineering."
- "The store offers many products, including clothes, electronics, and home goods."
- "There were several famous actors at the party, including some Hollywood stars."
Indicates that something or someone is part of a stated group, often with legal, financial, or formal implications.
Examples
- "The terms of the contract, including the payment schedule, must be followed strictly."
- "The report includes recommendations for improving efficiency, including reducing waste."
- "The policy covers all employees, including those working part-time."
- "The application process includes several steps, including a background check."
- "The law protects all citizens, including minors, from discrimination."
Cultural Context
The word 'including' comes from Latin 'includere', meaning to shut in or enclose. Over time, it evolved into the preposition we use today to denote the inclusion of specific items within a broader set. It's commonly used in everyday speech, formal writing, and legal contexts.
The Dinner Party Dilemma
Story
The Dinner Party Dilemma
Lucy was in charge of organizing the annual dinner for the local charity. It was always a major event, bringing together donors, volunteers, and the people the charity supported. This year, she had decided to make it even bigger, inviting a broader range of guests. She printed the invitations, each one specifying a variety of attendees: 'The event will feature many special guests, including the mayor and some prominent philanthropists.' It wasn’t just about the usual crowd. She had made sure to include a selection of volunteers who had worked tirelessly all year, as well as some newer faces. 'We want the dinner to reflect the full range of our community,' she had said, excitedly discussing the details with her colleagues. On the night of the event, Lucy stood at the entrance, welcoming guests as they arrived. The room was buzzing with conversation, and she was glad to see that the evening was a success. She caught up with an old friend who had been invited, and they discussed the guest list. 'I saw a few surprises on the list, including some new donors I’ve never met before. It’s great to see such diversity in the crowd.' Her friend agreed, 'Yes, and I noticed they included the new interns from the office. It’s a good way to integrate everyone into the cause.' Lucy smiled, knowing that her decision to include such a diverse group would create connections that might otherwise have never been made. Later, during the speech, the chairperson emphasized the importance of inclusivity. 'Our charity serves everyone in the community, including those who may not be able to attend tonight. We work to support them no matter what their background is.' As Lucy listened, she felt a warm sense of accomplishment. The dinner had truly been a reflection of everything the charity stood for. As the event drew to a close, she overheard a conversation between two donors. 'This event has really expanded its reach this year,' one of them said. 'And I noticed they included some of the people we’ve been helping in the speeches. I think that made all the difference.' Lucy couldn’t help but feel proud of the evening. It was a reminder that when you’re inclusive, you open doors that might otherwise remain shut. Everyone at the dinner, from the volunteers to the major donors, felt that sense of belonging.
Related Words
