What is the difference between hug and embrace?
Hug:
Squeeze (someone) tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection.
Embrace:
Hold (someone) closely in one's arms, esp. as a sign of affection: "Aunt Sophie embraced her warmly".
Is it only about strength or are there more subtle differences I don't quite grasp?
Best Answer
The main difference is the level of affection shown in each.
You would hug a family member or close friend as a sign of being pleased to see them, but you would embrace a lover, wife/husband or boy/girlfriend.