Scribes: meaning, definitions and examples

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scribes

[skraɪbz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

ancient profession

Scribes were highly skilled professionals in ancient times who were responsible for reading, writing, and transcribing important documents such as laws, treaties, and religious texts. They played a crucial role in preserving knowledge and history.

Synonyms

clerk, copyist, scrivener.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scribes	Used generally to describe people in ancient times who were responsible for writing and recording documents. Also used metaphorically in modern times for professional writers or journalists. In ancient Egypt, scribes played a crucial role in the administration of the kingdom. Today's scribes are covering the breaking news with great expertise.
clerk	Refers to someone who performs office work such as maintaining records, handling correspondence, and other administrative tasks. Often used in a modern business or bureaucratic setting. The office clerk organized the files efficiently. She got a job as a clerk at the local bank.
copyist	Specifies someone who transcribes documents or manuscripts by hand. Often associated with historical contexts or artistic settings such as copying music or art. The copyist spent hours replicating the ancient manuscript. Before the advent of printers, copyists were essential in reproducing books.
scrivener	Used to denote someone who writes documents professionally or makes copies, often with a formal or legal connotation. This word is more archaic and less commonly used in modern times. In Shakespeare's plays, a scrivener might appear to draft important legal documents. During the 18th century, scriveners were hired to write letters and contracts.

Examples of usage

The scribes meticulously copied the sacred scrolls.
The scribes were revered for their ability to accurately transcribe important texts.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

writing or copying

To scribe means to write or copy text, often with precision and accuracy. It can also refer to the act of inscribing or cutting into a surface.

Synonyms

copy, inscribe, write.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scribes	This word can be used to refer to people whose job or role is to write documents, often in historical or ancient contexts. In ancient Egypt, scribes were highly respected individuals. The scribes carefully copied the sacred texts.
write	This is the most general term used for the act of putting words on paper or another medium. He likes to write stories in his spare time. Please write your name at the top of the page.
copy	It's most commonly used when referring to the act of reproducing a text or document exactly as the original. Please copy these notes for the meeting. She copied the entire book by hand.
inscribe	Use this word when referring to the act of carving or writing something on a surface permanently, such as stone or metal. They decided to inscribe their names on the monument. The ancient tablets were inscribed with hieroglyphics.

Examples of usage

He carefully scribed his name onto the wooden plaque.
The artist scribed intricate designs onto the metal surface.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

In ancient Egypt, scribes were highly respected for their skill in writing and often worked for pharaohs.
The earliest forms of writing were developed by Sumerian scribes using cuneiform on clay tablets around 3200 BC.
Many scribes were trained for years, learning complex symbols and languages to accurately record information.

Cultural Significance

In Medieval Europe, scribes preserved classic texts by hand-copying them before the invention of the printing press.
Scribes played a pivotal role in legal societies, documenting treaties and laws that shaped civilizations.
Religious scribes were crucial in copying sacred texts, ensuring the transmission of religious beliefs over generations.

Technology and Evolution

The role of scribes has evolved with technology; typing and digital writing have largely replaced manual scripts.
The invention of the printing press in the 15th century diminished the traditional role of scribes, leading to mass literacy.
Today, the skills of traditional scribes can be seen in calligraphy and graphic design, where writing is an art form.

Literature

Many famous works of literature, including epic poems and histories, were first recorded by scribes.
Some ancient scribes became authors themselves, contributing original stories alongside their transcription duties.
The meticulous work of scribes influenced the preservation and interpretation of literary texts throughout history.

Psychology

Scribes are linked to the spread of knowledge and the psychological concept of memory, as they helped societies remember their history.
The act of writing has been shown to improve cognitive functions, making the role of scribes crucial in education.
Writing as a process engages different parts of the brain, which scribes utilized to enhance clarity and understanding in their documents.

Translations

Translations of the word "scribes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escribas

🇮🇳 लेखक

🇩🇪 Schreiber

🇮🇩 penulis

🇺🇦 писарі

🇵🇱 skrybowie

🇯🇵 書記

🇫🇷 scribes

🇪🇸 escribas

🇹🇷 katipler

🇰🇷 서기관

🇸🇦 الكتبة

🇨🇿 písaři

🇸🇰 pisári

🇨🇳 抄写员

🇸🇮 pisarji

🇮🇸 skrifarar

🇰🇿 жазушылар

🇬🇪 მწერლები

🇦🇿 yazıçılar

🇲🇽 escribas

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,035, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15032 marginally
15033 finality
15034 conduits
15035 scribes
15036 scrupulous
15037 propped
15038 grieve
...