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Hieroglyphic: meaning, definitions and examples

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hieroglyphic

 

[ ˌhaɪəroʊˈglɪfɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

writing system

Hieroglyphic refers to a symbolic writing system used in ancient Egypt, characterized by the use of pictorial symbols to represent sounds, concepts, or both. This writing style was employed primarily for religious texts, monumental inscriptions, and other significant documents. Hieroglyphic symbols can represent ideas or sounds and are often found carved in stone or painted on papyrus. The study of hieroglyphics enables a deeper understanding of Egyptian history and culture.

Synonyms

pictographic, symbolic

Examples of usage

  • The hieroglyphic inscriptions on the temple walls were breathtaking.
  • She studied hieroglyphic writing to decode ancient Egyptian texts.
  • The scholar dedicated years to mastering the hieroglyphic language.
Context #2 | Noun

symbol

A hieroglyphic is one of the characters in the hieroglyphic writing system, which serves as a unit of meaning. These characters can represent sounds, words, or entire concepts and are essential for understanding the texts of ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphics often appear in combinations, allowing for complex ideas to be conveyed through imagery.

Synonyms

character, symbol

Examples of usage

  • The archaeologist discovered a new hieroglyphic on the site.
  • Each hieroglyphic can represent different elements of the Egyptian language.
  • They analyzed the hieroglyphics to gain insights into historical events.

Translations

Translations of the word "hieroglyphic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hieroglífico

🇮🇳 हिरोग्लिफ़िक

🇩🇪 hieroglyphisch

🇮🇩 hieroglif

🇺🇦 єгипетський ієрогліф

🇵🇱 hieroglifyczny

🇯🇵 象形文字の (しょうけいもじの)

🇫🇷 hiéroglyphique

🇪🇸 jeroglífico

🇹🇷 hiyeroglif

🇰🇷 상형 문자 (상형 문자)

🇸🇦 هيروغليفي (هيروغليفي)

🇨🇿 hieroglyfický

🇸🇰 hieroglyfický

🇨🇳 象形文字的 (xiàngxíng wénzì de)

🇸🇮 hieroglificni

🇮🇸 hieróglífískt

🇰🇿 иероглифтік

🇬🇪 ჰიროგლიფური

🇦🇿 hiyeroglifik

🇲🇽 jeroglífico

Etymology

The word 'hieroglyphic' originates from the Greek 'hieroglyphikos', which means 'sacred carving'. It is a compound of 'hieros' (sacred) and 'glyphe' (carving). This term was used by the ancient Greeks to describe the writing system of the Egyptians, as the Greek language had no equivalent set of symbols. Hieroglyphs served not only a practical function in representing language but also held significant cultural and religious meanings. Over time, as Egyptology developed as a field of study, hieroglyphics have been crucial for unlocking the history, beliefs, and social structures of ancient Egypt. The deciphering of these symbols was a monumental achievement in understanding ancient cultures, especially after the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, which provided key insights into the meanings of the hieroglyphic script.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,230, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.