Words / C2

im-BLAYZN/ɪmˈbleɪzn/

To emblazon is to display a design or words prominently, as on a shield or banner: emblazon a crest, emblazoned with a motto. To display (already in the dictionary) is everyday showing; a banner (already in the dictionary) is a cloth message, and to brandish (already in the dictionary) is to wave showily or threateningly. To inscribe (already in the dictionary) is to write or cut words onto a surface. To efface (this batch) is to wipe out — the opposite flavour. A ranking slide does not invent an n.

Meaning

To display a design or words prominently, as on a shield or banner.

Examples

• “Emblazoning a ranking slide does not invent an n.”
• “To display is to show (already in B1). A banner is a cloth message (already in B2). To brandish is to wave showily (already in C2). To inscribe is to cut words on (already in C1). To efface is to wipe out (this batch) — the contrast. A well-kept badge can be exact. A gleam that never states the cell is theatre. Write the number; then the heraldry.”

Good to know

Display a design prominently. Everyday: display (already in this dictionary). Close: banner (already in B2); brandish / inscribe (already in this dictionary). This batch: efface (the contrast). A slide ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

blazon, display, inscribe, adorn

New