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Hieroglyph: meaning, definitions and examples

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hieroglyph

 

[ ˈhaɪəroʊɡlɪf ]

Noun
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.

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

Etymology

The term 'hieroglyph' comes from the Greek words 'hieros' meaning 'sacred' and 'glyphe' meaning 'carving.' The ancient Egyptians developed this writing system around 3200 BC, and it served as a crucial means of recording their language and culture. Hieroglyphs were largely used for religious texts and monumental inscriptions that reflected their beliefs and practices. As its complexity grew, so did its variations, evolving into more stylized forms over time. The understanding of hieroglyphs greatly advanced in the 19th century with the discovery and deciphering of the Rosetta Stone, which provided the key to translating these ancient symbols. Today, hieroglyphs continue to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts alike, symbolizing the intricate and rich cultural history of ancient Egypt.

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.