envolver(se)
verbCEFR B2
What does “envolver(se)” mean in English?
to wrap, to involve
to wrap, to involve (envolver — literal: wrap an object; figurative: implicate in events)
Example sentences
El escándalo envolvió a varios altos funcionarios que negaron inicialmente cualquier relación con los hechos.
The scandal implicated several senior officials who initially denied any connection to the events.
Una niebla densa envolvía la ciudad cuando aterrizó el avión, lo que complicó las maniobras de aproximación.
A thick fog wrapped around the city when the plane landed, complicating the approach manoeuvres.
Prefirió no envolverse en aquella disputa política que no le correspondía resolver.
She preferred not to get involved in that political dispute that was not hers to resolve.
How to use it
Envolver means 'to wrap' or, figuratively, 'to involve/implicate'. Literal: envolver un regalo (wrap a present). Figurative at B2: el escándalo envolvió a varios altos funcionarios (the scandal implicated several senior officials); una atmósfera de misterio envolvía la escena (an air of mystery wrapped around the scene). The reflexive envolverse en means to get involved in something: envolverse en un conflicto. The figurative sense of implication in events is central at B2.
Common mistake
Envolver (wrap/involve) is distinct from involucrar (involve — more neutral: involve someone in a process, often positively or neutrally). Envolver in the figurative sense carries a slightly sinister wrapping-in connotation — the scandal draws people in. Involucrar is more neutral: involucrar a los ciudadanos en el proceso (involve citizens in the process).