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Hieroglyph: meaning, definitions and examples

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hieroglyph

 

[ˈhaɪəroʊɡlɪf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

writing system

Hieroglyphs are characters used in the writing system of ancient Egypt. They are pictorial symbols that represent objects, sounds, or ideas. This system was often used in religious texts, monumental inscriptions, and other forms of communication in ancient Egyptian society. Hieroglyphs can be found carved into stone, written on papyrus, or painted on tomb walls. Each symbol can convey a broad meaning depending on its context and arrangement with other symbols.

Synonyms

pictograph, sign, symbol.

Examples of usage

  • The hieroglyphs on the temple walls tell stories from ancient Egypt.
  • Scholars study hieroglyphs to understand Egyptian history.
  • The deciphering of hieroglyphs was a major achievement in archaeology.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'hieroglyphikos', which means 'sacred carving'.
  • It combines 'hieros', meaning sacred, and 'glyphe', meaning carving.
  • The term became common in the early 19th century as scholars began studying ancient scripts.

Historical Significance

  • Hieroglyphs were primarily used in ancient Egyptian temples and tombs to record important information.
  • They were a formal writing system that represented sounds, ideas, and objects, making them versatile.
  • The deciphering of these symbols by Jean-François Champollion in the 1820s opened up the understanding of ancient Egyptian culture.

Art and Design

  • Hieroglyphs are not just letters; many are beautifully illustrated and can represent gods, animals, or daily life.
  • The design of these symbols played a significant role in ancient architecture and artistry, influencing modern aesthetics.
  • In museums, you can see how hieroglyphs were integrated into sculptures and wall reliefs, reflecting their significance.

Cultural Impact

  • The fascination with hieroglyphs has inspired artists, writers, and filmmakers, creating new stories and interpretations.
  • These symbols have become a cultural icon, symbolizing ancient knowledge and mystery in popular culture.
  • Modern fonts and designs often draw inspiration from the shapes and styles of hieroglyphic writing.

Psychology

  • Studies in semiotics explore how people interpret symbols, highlighting the cognitive processes behind reading hieroglyphs.
  • The use of imagery in writing taps into human cognitive abilities, making learning and memory recall easier.
  • Hieroglyphs show how visual information can convey complex ideas, demonstrating the power of symbols in communication.

Translations

Translations of the word "hieroglyph" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hieróglifo

🇮🇳 हिरोग्लिफ़

🇩🇪 Hieroglyph

🇮🇩 hieroglif

🇺🇦 ієрогліф

🇵🇱 hieroglif

🇯🇵 象形文字

🇫🇷 hiéroglyphe

🇪🇸 jeroglífico

🇹🇷 hiyeroglif

🇰🇷 상형 문자

🇸🇦 الهيروغليفية

🇨🇿 hieroglyf

🇸🇰 hieroglyf

🇨🇳 象形文字

🇸🇮 hieroglif

🇮🇸 hieróglýfur

🇰🇿 иероглиф

🇬🇪 ჰეროგლიფი

🇦🇿 hiyeroglif

🇲🇽 jeroglífico

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,465 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.