Words / B2

in-GRAYV/ɪnˈɡreɪv/

To engrave is to cut words or a design into a hard surface: engrave on; an engraved inscription. Carve is a close twin, often in wood or stone in the round; etch uses acid; inscribe is a formal twin. Date the engraved inscription, then the metal. Mix-up: engrave vs grave (a burial); engage; do not write engrave for a printed logo with no cut surface.

Meaning

To cut words or a design into a hard surface.

Examples

• “Date the engraved inscription, then the metal, the history paper said.”
• “An engraved plate featured in the print case, which is the printmaking sense — still name the artist if given.”

Good to know

engrave on / with; an engraved inscription / plate. Close: carve / etch / inscribe. Trap: grave / engage. History, DT, and art. Cut a design into a hard surface — date the metal or name the plate.

Near in meaning

inscribe, etch, carve

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