Words / B2

ECH/etʃ/

To etch is to cut a design into a surface with acid or a sharp tool: etch on glass; an etched circuit. It also means to fix something clearly in the mind: etched in memory. Engrave is a close twin without acid (already in a B2 list); carve is in the round (already in a B2 list). Etch the board in the DT practical for the stated seconds. Mix-up: etch vs itch; fetch; do not write etch for a printed logo with no bite into the surface.

Meaning

To cut a design into a surface with acid or a sharp tool; also to fix something clearly in the mind.

Examples

• “Etch the board in the DT practical for the stated seconds; a memory etched in the source still needs the date.”
• “Etch the board in the DT practical for the stated seconds, not a craft slogan.”
• “A memory etched in the source still needs the date, which is the figurative sense.”

Good to know

etch on / into; an etched plate / circuit; etched in memory. Close: engrave / carve (already in B2). Trap: itch / a printed sticker. DT, chemistry, and history. Cut a design with acid, or fix in the mind — quote seconds or the date.

Near in meaning

engrave, incise, bite

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