Words / C2

PAL-imps-est/ˈpælɪmpsest/

A palimpsest is a surface on which earlier writing or layers can still be seen beneath later ones — originally a reused manuscript, now a favourite metaphor for cities, texts, and memory: a palimpsest of cultures. Layer is everyday; overlay is close. In speech, you can still see the earlier layer is enough. Academic and literary. Use the metaphor when traces remain, not as a fancy word for mixture.

Meaning

A text, surface, or place on which earlier layers can still be seen beneath later ones.

Examples

• “The old city is a palimpsest of many cultures.”
• “The high street is a palimpsest: Georgian brick, a 1970s canopy, a delivery app banner.”
• “Her notebook was a palimpsest of abandoned openings and one kept paragraph.”

Good to know

New marks over visible old traces (manuscript; extended to places/texts). Everyday: you can still see the earlier layer. Metaphor: do not mean a mere mix.

Near in meaning

overlay

New