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Carved: meaning, definitions and examples

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carved

 

[kɑːvd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

woodworking

To carve means to cut or shape (a hard material) to produce an object or design. It involves using a sharp tool like a knife or chisel to remove material from the object being carved.

Synonyms

chisel, engrave, sculpt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sculpt

Relates to carving or shaping material like stone, metal, or clay into a three-dimensional form, usually as a work of art.

  • She sculpted a beautiful bust of the famous author
  • The artist spent months sculpting the marble statue
engrave

Denotes etching a design or words into a hard surface, usually metal or glass. It often implies more detailed and fine work.

  • He decided to engrave their initials on the wedding ring
  • The trophy was engraved with the winner's name and date of the event
chisel

Refers to the act of cutting or shaping something using a chisel, a specific hand tool with a sharp edge. Often used for precise work in wood, stone, or metal.

  • The artisan used a small chisel to create intricate designs on the wooden door
  • She carefully chiselled the outline of the statue

Examples of usage

  • He carved a beautiful wooden sculpture.
  • She carved her initials into the tree trunk.
  • The artist carved intricate patterns into the stone.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'ceorfan,' which means 'to cut.'
  • Related words in other languages often mean 'to shape' or 'to sculpt,' showing a commonality in meaning across cultures.

Art History

  • Carving has been a form of artistic expression for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians.
  • Famous sculptures, like Michelangelo's David, were crafted by removing excess stone, illustrating the skill involved in this technique.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have traditions of carving, such as totem poles by Native Americans, which tell stories through their designs.
  • In East Asia, wood carving is not only an art form but also used in religious practices, such as creating statues of deities.

Scientific Methods

  • Modern technology has introduced CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines that can carve materials with high precision.
  • Carving techniques vary depending on the material; for example, stone carving requires different tools than wood carving.

Literature

  • Carving is often used as a metaphor in literature, representing the idea of creating one's identity or path in life.
  • In famous novels, characters may 'carve' out their destinies, showing determination and craft in navigating challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "carved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entalhado

🇮🇳 खुदा हुआ

🇩🇪 geschnitzt

🇮🇩 diukir

🇺🇦 вирізаний

🇵🇱 rzeźbiony

🇯🇵 彫られた (horareta)

🇫🇷 sculpté

🇪🇸 tallado

🇹🇷 oyulmuş

🇰🇷 조각된 (jogagdoen)

🇸🇦 منحوت

🇨🇿 vyřezávaný

🇸🇰 vyrezávaný

🇨🇳 雕刻的 (diāokè de)

🇸🇮 izrezljan

🇮🇸 útskorið

🇰🇿 ойылған

🇬🇪 მოკვეთილი

🇦🇿 oyulmuş

🇲🇽 tallado

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,191 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.