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Pencil Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pencil

[หˆpษ›nsษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

writing instrument

A pencil is a writing instrument with a thin cylindrical graphite core encased in a wooden or plastic barrel. It is used for writing, drawing, or sketching.

Synonyms

graphite pencil, lead pencil, writing implement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pencil

Common, everyday word used to refer to a general writing tool used for drawing or writing.

  • I need a pencil to write down this note.
  • She used a pencil to sketch the design.
writing implement

A broad term used in formal or technical language to refer to any tool used for writing, which can include pens, pencils, markers, etc.

  • Every student must have at least one writing implement during the exam.
  • The store sells various writing implements.
lead pencil

Historically refers to pencils thought to contain lead but actually use graphite; less common in modern usage but may be used to emphasize traditional or old-fashioned settings.

  • In the Victorian era, people often used lead pencils.
  • My grandfather still calls them lead pencils.
graphite pencil

Refers specifically to pencils that use graphite as the core material, often used in artistic contexts or when referring to the material characteristics.

  • Graphite pencils come in different hardness levels.
  • He prefers using a graphite pencil for shading.

Examples of usage

  • I always carry a pencil in my bag for taking notes.
  • She used a pencil to draw a beautiful portrait.
  • He wrote his name with a pencil on the paper.
Context #2 | Noun

scoring device

In sports, a pencil is a term used to refer to a narrow lead in a competition or game.

Synonyms

advantage, lead.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pencil

This is used when referring to a common writing instrument with a thin stick of graphite or similar substance inside a wooden or plastic case.

  • She used a pencil to sketch the outline of her drawing.
  • Make sure to bring pencils for the exam.
lead

This word can refer to the graphite inside a pencil or to the act of guiding or directing someone or something. It can also refer to a position of being ahead in a competition.

  • She needed a new pencil because the lead broke.
  • He will lead the team in the next game.
  • The runner has a substantial lead in the race.
advantage

This is used when referring to a condition or circumstance that puts someone in a favorable or superior position.

  • Having a good education is a great advantage in today's job market.
  • The home team had the advantage of playing on their familiar field.

Examples of usage

  • The team has a pencil in the final minutes of the match.
  • After a strong start, they held onto a pencil throughout the game.
Context #3 | Verb

make preliminary sketches

To pencil is to make preliminary sketches or plans before finalizing a design or project.

Synonyms

outline, sketch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pencil

General writing or drawing tool, commonly used in schools or offices. It is for tasks that might need erasing or adjusting.

  • She used a pencil to take notes during the lecture
  • He penciled in the appointment on his calendar
sketch

A rough or unfinished drawing or painting, often created quickly to capture the main elements of a subject. It can be used in artistic contexts or to draft ideas.

  • He made a quick sketch of the landscape
  • The designer sketched out some ideas for the new logo
outline

A summary or a simple drawing that shows the main features of something without detailed inner parts. It is often used in planning or providing a structure.

  • Before writing her essay, she made a detailed outline of her main points
  • The artist drew an outline of the portrait before adding details

Examples of usage

  • She penciled out the initial concept for the new building.
  • They are penciling in the details for the upcoming event.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • The invention of the eraser attached to a pencil came about in the 19th century when Charles Goodyear vulcanized rubber.
  • The first mass-produced pencils were made in Nuremberg, Germany, during the late 18th century.
  • In 1822, a man named William Monroe patented the first mechanical pencil, which had a refillable lead.

Art

  • Sketching with pencils has been a popular practice among artists due to their ability to create fine lines and shades.
  • Famous art pieces, such as Leonardo da Vinci's sketches, were primarily created using pencil before being painted.
  • Artists often prefer different hardness levels of pencils, indicated by numbers and letters, to achieve various effects in their work.

Education

  • Pencils are essential tools in educational settings, often introduced to children in early schooling to practice writing skills.
  • Studies have shown that writing by hand with a pencil can enhance memory retention compared to typing.
  • Teachers often recommend using pencils to help students develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Science

  • The graphite used in pencils is a form of carbon, and it can conduct electricity, which is why some people use it in electronics.
  • Pencil lead, though called 'lead,' does not actually contain any lead; itโ€™s mostly made of graphite and clay.
  • The hardness of a pencil is determined by the ratio of clay to graphite; more clay makes it harder, while more graphite makes it softer.

Origin of 'pencil'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'penicillus,' meaning 'little tail,' which describes the soft part of the early brush pens used for writing.
  • The first pencils were made in the 16th century in England, where graphite was discovered and cut into rods.
  • Before the modern wooden pencil, people used metal pens and reeds that would scratch on surfaces.

The word 'pencil' originates from the Latin word 'penicillus', which means 'little tail'. The modern pencil as we know it today was invented in the 16th century, with the combination of graphite and wood to create a writing instrument. Over the years, pencils have evolved in design and material, becoming a staple tool for writing and drawing.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,241 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.