Words / B2

KAHV/kɑːv/

To carve is to cut a solid material into a shape, or to cut meat; also to create a role or career (carve out): carve a niche; carved in stone. Sculpt is a close twin for art; slice is everyday for meat. Date the carved inscription, then the stone type. Mix-up: carve vs crave (already in the dictionary); curve; do not write carve for a logo slogan with no material or named role.

Meaning

To cut a solid material into a shape, or to cut meat; also to create a role or career (carve out).

Examples

• “Date the carved inscription, then the stone type, the history paper said.”
• “She carved out a role on the committee, the minutes said, which is the career sense — still name the post.”

Good to know

carve a statue / inscription; carve meat; carve out a niche / role. Close: sculpt / engrave. Trap: crave / curve. History, art, and citizenship. Cut a shape, cut meat, or create a role — specify.

Near in meaning

sculpt, engrave, cut

New