Shaved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shaved

[ʃeɪvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Shaved is the past tense of the verb 'shave'. It means to remove hair from the skin using a razor or other cutting tools. The action is commonly associated with grooming practices for males and females.

Synonyms

cut, rased, trimmed.

Examples of usage

  • He shaved his beard before the interview.
  • She shaved her legs for the summer.
  • They shaved the dog's fur for the competition.
Context #2 | Adjective

smooth surface

Shaved can also describe something that has been made smooth or bare by removing its surface layer, like shaved ice or shaved wood.

Synonyms

bare, planed, smooth.

Examples of usage

  • The chef garnished the dish with shaved chocolate.
  • He preferred his ice cream with shaved ice.
  • The furniture was crafted from shaved wood.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, shaving is a rite of passage, often marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.
  • Beard styles can indicate social status or group identity, showing how shaving or not shaving has deep cultural implications.
  • In some religions, like Buddhism, monks shave their heads as a symbol of renunciation of worldly possessions.

Science

  • Shaving can temporarily increase the thickness of hair due to the blunt edge created when cutting hair, but it does not change the hair's actual texture or growth rate.
  • Skin irritation is a common side effect of shaving, caused by the removal of hair at the skin level and potential cuts or abrasions.
  • Certain methods of shaving, like using safety razors or electric shavers, can reduce skin irritation and improve the shaving experience.

Historical Practices

  • In Ancient Egypt, shaving was common among both men and women as a means of cleanliness and pest control in their hot climate.
  • Roman soldiers typically kept their faces shaved to uphold discipline and present a clean image.
  • Throughout history, various tools have been used for shaving, from simple sharpened stones to sophisticated straight razors found in the Victorian era.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, the act of shaving is often dramatized to symbolize a character's transformation or new beginning.
  • The popularity of bearded styles has risen and fallen over time, influencing trends in shaving and men's grooming products.
  • Comedy often uses shaving mishaps or styles as a source of humor, showing the universal experience of personal grooming.

Origin of 'shaved'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shave' comes from the Old English 'sceafan,' which means to cut or remove.
  • The practice of shaving has been around since ancient civilizations, with records of people using sharpened stones or shells to remove hair.
  • In Middle English, 'shaven' was a common term used for the process of cutting hair.

The word 'shave' originates from the Old English term 'sceafan', which means to remove hair or to scrape. This word itself is linked to the Proto-Germanic '*skawwiz', meaning to cut or scrape. The evolution of the word has seen it transition through Middle English as 'shaven', which referred to the action of shaving hair. Over time, the use of the word has expanded from mainly describing grooming practices to encompass a variety of contexts, such as shaving wood or ice. The development of razors and shaving technology has also affected the cultural significance and practices surrounding shaving, leading to its deeper integration into personal grooming standards across different societies. The verb form remains popular in modern language, with its usage adapted for various contexts, including both personal hygiene and culinary terms.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,638, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.