Chiseling: meaning, definitions and examples

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chiseling

[ˈtʃɪzəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sculpture

To carve or shape with a chisel. It involves using a sharp tool to create a design or sculpture out of a material such as wood, stone, or metal.

Synonyms

carve, engrave, sculpt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chiseling	Used when someone is shaping or cutting materials, generally stone or wood, with a chisel. It's often related to detailed work. The artist spent hours chiseling the details of the statue. He was busy chiseling letters into the stone tablet.
carve	Used when creating something by cutting away from a solid material like wood or stone. It's also common in the context of cooking, such as carving meat. They decided to carve their initials into the tree. The chef began to carve the turkey for dinner.
sculpt	Used when shaping a three-dimensional artwork from materials like clay, stone, or metal. It emphasizes the artistic creation of forms. He loves to sculpt figures out of clay. The artist spent months sculpting the life-sized statue.
engrave	Used when cutting or etching designs or letters into a hard surface, usually for decorative or ownership marking purposes. It often involves finer, more intricate work. She had her name engraved on the bracelet. The trophy was engraved with the winner's name.

Examples of usage

The artist was chiseling away at the marble to create a beautiful statue.
She carefully chiseled the intricate details into the woodwork.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

informal

To obtain or achieve something through persistent and determined effort. It often refers to achieving a desired result through hard work and perseverance.

Synonyms

achieve, attain, obtain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chiseling	This word has a negative connotation; it’s often used to describe deceitfully obtaining money or advantages, or it can refer to the physical act of carving with a chisel. He was caught chiseling money from the company The sculptor spent hours chiseling the marble to create a beautiful statue
achieve	This is best used when talking about reaching a goal or completing a task, especially something that required effort and dedication. She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor After months of training, he finally achieved his goal of running a marathon
obtain	This is generally used when talking about getting or acquiring something, usually an object or possession. You need to obtain permission before you can access the restricted area She obtained a rare book for her collection
attain	Often used in formal situations to describe reaching a certain level, status, or condition after effort or hard work. He attained the rank of general after many years of service She has attained a level of mastery in playing the piano

Examples of usage

He was chiseling his way to the top of the company through sheer hard work.
She chiseled out a successful career in the competitive industry.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word stems from the Old French word 'cisel,' meaning 'to cut or engrave,' showing its carving roots.
Chiseling combines the process of applying force to a hard surface, often to create art or tools.
The term 'chisel' can also refer to the action of deceitfully tricking someone, showcasing versatility in usage.

Art & Sculpture

Chiseling is a core technique in sculpture, allowing artists to create lifelike figures from marble and stone.
Michelangelo famously used chiseling to transform massive stone blocks into renowned sculptures, like David.
Different types of chisels are used for various effects in sculpture, including point, flat, and skew chisels.

History

Ancient Egyptians used chiseling techniques to craft statues and hieroglyphs in stone, making their culture known for monumental architecture.
The tradition of chiseling dates back to the Stone Age when early humans used rudimentary tools to create primitive art and shelters.
In the Renaissance, advanced chiseling methods led to the revival of classical art, inspiring artists across Europe.

Tools & Technology

Modern chisels are made from specialized steel, improving durability and precision for craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts.
Chiseling today can involve powered tools, making the process faster and more efficient while maintaining traditional techniques.
Chiseling isn't just for stone or wood; it can also be applied to metals and glass in various crafts.

Psychology

The concept of chiseling can symbolize breaking down larger problems into manageable parts, akin to a sculptor refining a rough shape.
Chiseling away at a challenge can foster a growth mindset, encouraging persistence and improvement over time.
In therapeutic contexts, the 'chiseling' metaphor is used to denote personal growth, as individuals shape and refine their identities.

Translations

Translations of the word "chiseling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entalhamento

🇮🇳 काटना

🇩🇪 Meißeln

🇮🇩 mengukir

🇺🇦 різьблення

🇵🇱 rzeźbienie

🇯🇵 彫刻 (ちょうこく)

🇫🇷 sculpture

🇪🇸 cincelado

🇹🇷 oyma

🇰🇷 조각 (조각)

🇸🇦 نحت

🇨🇿 řezbářství

🇸🇰 rezbárstvo

🇨🇳 雕刻 (diāokè)

🇸🇮 rezbarstvo

🇮🇸 útskurður

🇰🇿 ою

🇬🇪 მოქანდაკეობა

🇦🇿 oyma

🇲🇽 cincelado

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,651 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34648 palpating
34649 companionway
34650 corbel
34651 chiseling
34652 snitch
34653 unbent
34654 deviancy
...