Scribal: meaning, definitions and examples

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scribal

 

[ ˈskrɪb.əl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

writing related

The term 'scribal' pertains to anything related to writing, especially in regard to the practices or roles associated with scribes. Historically, scribes played crucial roles in the preservation and transmission of texts before the invention of the printing press. In the context of literature or historical documents, 'scribal' can refer to the copying, editing, or production of written materials. Scribal activities often involve the meticulous work of handwriting or inscribing texts, where accuracy and clarity were of utmost importance. In modern academic discussions, it can also relate to the study of manuscript culture and the significance of scribes in societal development.

Synonyms

inscriptive, manuscript, paleographic, writing

Examples of usage

  • Scribal errors can impact the interpretation of historical texts.
  • The scribal tradition played a key role in preserving ancient knowledge.
  • Scribal culture thrived in monasteries during the Middle Ages.
  • His study focuses on the evolution of scribal practices.

Translations

Translations of the word "scribal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escribal

🇮🇳 लिपिकीय

🇩🇪 schreibend

🇮🇩 tulisan

🇺🇦 писарський

🇵🇱 skrybalski

🇯🇵 書写の

🇫🇷 scribal

🇪🇸 escribano

🇹🇷 yazı

🇰🇷 서기

🇸🇦 كتابي

🇨🇿 scribální

🇸🇰 písací

🇨🇳 抄写的

🇸🇮 pisar

🇮🇸 ritar

🇰🇿 жазушы

🇬🇪 წერითი

🇦🇿 yazıçı

🇲🇽 escribano

Word origin

The word 'scribal' originates from the Latin word 'scriba', which means 'to write' or 'a scribe'. The concept of a scribe dates back to ancient civilizations where individuals were specially trained to write and copy texts, often in the context of administrative or religious tasks. In ancient Egypt, scribes were among the few literate individuals capable of recording transactions and preserving knowledge. As societies evolved, the role of the scribe expanded, becoming vital in maintaining legal documents, historical records, and literature. The term 'scribal' has since been adopted into modern discourse, especially in fields such as paleography and manuscript studies, reflecting the enduring legacy of these early writers.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,509, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.