Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Carved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🪵
Add to dictionary

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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'carved'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'carved' originated from the Old English word 'ceorfan,' which meant to cut, carve, or engrave. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer specifically to the act of cutting or shaping hard materials to create objects or designs. The practice of carving has a long history and is found in various cultures around the world, often used for artistic, decorative, or functional purposes.

See also: carver, carving.

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.