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Sculpt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sculpt

[skÊŒlpt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

artistic creation

To create a sculpture by shaping or carving a material such as clay, stone, or wood.

Synonyms

carve, mold, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sculpt

Used when creating a three-dimensional piece of art, typically out of materials like stone, clay, or metal.

  • She sculpts beautiful figures out of marble.
  • He spent months sculpting the statue.
carve

Often used when cutting into a solid material like wood, stone, or even food, to create a design or figure.

  • He carved a small bird out of a block of wood.
  • They carved their names into the tree trunk.
mold

Typically refers to shaping a soft or malleable material, such as clay or plastic, often using a form or mold.

  • She molded a vase out of the wet clay.
  • The artist molded the figure with his hands.
shape

A general term used for giving form to something, including abstract uses like shaping ideas or careers.

  • She shaped the dough into a loaf.
  • His experiences shaped his worldview.

Examples of usage

  • I watched the artist sculpt a beautiful statue out of marble.
  • She sculpted a lifelike figure out of clay.
  • The sculptor spent months sculpting the intricate details of the statue.
Context #2 | Verb

physique improvement

To shape one's body through exercise and diet to achieve a desired physical form.

Synonyms

chisel, shape, tone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sculpt

This is a duplicate and should have the same context as the first 'sculpt'.

  • This is a duplicate and should have the same examples as the first 'sculpt'
shape

Commonly used in a broader sense to describe giving form to something, not necessarily involving artistry or fine detailed work. It can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts.

  • They shaped the dough into small balls
  • Her experiences shaped her outlook on life
tone

Often used to describe making something firmer or more defined, like muscle tone in the context of fitness, or in adjusting the color or mood of something.

  • He decided to tone his muscles for the upcoming competition
  • The artist toned the painting with a bit of gray to create a moody atmosphere
chisel

Used to describe the act of cutting or shaping something with a chisel, a specific tool. It often refers to detailed, fine work in materials such as wood, stone, or metal.

  • She used a chisel to carve intricate designs into the wooden cupboard
  • The mason chiseled the stone to create a smooth surface

Examples of usage

  • After months of hard work, she sculpted her body into a lean and muscular shape.
  • He spends hours at the gym sculpting his physique.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art History

  • The earliest known sculptures date back to prehistoric times, over 30,000 years ago, with small figures found in Europe.
  • The classical period of Greece and Rome saw a boom in sculpture, often depicting gods, heroes, and everyday life.
  • Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and Donatello revolutionized sculpture with a focus on realism and human anatomy.

Cultural Significance

  • Sculpture is an important form of cultural expression in many societies, often reflecting social, political, and spiritual beliefs.
  • Public sculptures in parks and squares can act as landmarks and symbols for cities, promoting unity and identity.
  • Different cultures use unique materials for sculpting, ranging from marble and bronze in the West to wood and clay in other traditions.

Modern Techniques

  • Contemporary sculptors might use unconventional materials like plastic, metal, or even recycled objects to create modern art.
  • Technology has introduced digital sculpting, where artists use software to create 3D models, which can then be printed or cast.
  • Installation art often includes sculptural elements, interacting with the space around them, making the viewer a part of the piece.

Psychology of Art

  • Creating sculptures can be therapeutic, allowing artists to express emotions and thoughts in a tangible form.
  • Engaging with sculpture in galleries can trigger emotional responses and provoke thought about the themes it conveys.
  • Studies suggest that viewing art, including sculpture, can improve mental well-being and increase feelings of happiness.

Origin of 'sculpt'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sculptura', meaning 'carving' or 'a carving'.
  • It has roots in the Latin verb 'sculpere', which means 'to carve or cut'.
  • In Old French, it transformed into 'sculpture', further shaping its meaning in art.

The word 'sculpt' comes from the Latin word 'sculptus', which means 'carved'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the act of shaping or carving material to create art. Over time, the term has also been used in the context of shaping one's physique through exercise. Sculpting has been a significant form of artistic expression throughout history, with sculptures found in various cultures and civilizations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,369 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.