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Shaving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ˆ
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shaving

[หˆสƒeษชvษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal care

The action of cutting hair off the body, especially the face, with a razor or shaver.

Synonyms

grooming, shave, trimming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shaving

This word is used when referring to the general process of removing hair from the face or body using a razor or similar tool.

  • He spends every morning shaving his beard.
  • I need a new shaving cream.
shave

This word can refer to the action of removing hair from the face or body, or can be used to describe a close cut or trim.

  • He needs to shave before the meeting.
  • Can you give me a quick shave?
trimming

This word is used when referring to the act of cutting small amounts of hair to maintain a neat appearance, but not necessarily removing all of it.

  • Heโ€™s just trimming his beard, not shaving it off.
  • I need to trim my mustache.
grooming

This word is used to describe the broader practice of taking care of your appearance, which includes shaving, but also hair cutting, styling, skin care, etc.

  • Personal grooming is essential for maintaining a professional look.
  • He's very meticulous about his grooming routine.

Examples of usage

  • He was in a hurry and quickly finished his shaving before heading to work.
  • She prefers shaving her legs rather than using wax strips.
Context #2 | Noun

activity

The act of removing hair from the body using a razor or shaver.

Synonyms

grooming, hair removal, shave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shaving

Typically used when referring to the act of cutting hair, especially facial hair, close to the skin using a razor.

  • He spends about 10 minutes every morning shaving
  • Shaving can often cause skin irritation
shave

Commonly used to talk about the action of cutting hair with a razor, usually in informal speech.

  • I need to shave before the meeting
  • He forgot to shave this morning
grooming

Generally used to describe the overall process of maintaining personal appearance, which can include shaving, hair cutting, and other hygiene practices.

  • Personal grooming is important for a professional appearance
  • Many pet shops offer grooming services for dogs
hair removal

Used in situations where hair is being removed from various parts of the body, often implying methods beyond shaving such as waxing, laser treatments, or depilatory creams.

  • She opted for laser hair removal for longer-lasting results
  • There are many hair removal options for both men and women

Examples of usage

  • His morning routine always includes showering and shaving.
  • Proper shaving techniques can prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
Context #3 | Noun

barber shop

The service of cutting or trimming facial hair provided by a professional barber.

Synonyms

barbering, facial grooming, shave service.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shaving

This term is commonly used to describe the act of removing hair from the face or body using a razor. It's a general term that can be used in everyday conversation.

  • He needs to do some shaving before the party tonight
barbering

This word refers to the profession or act of cutting hair and may also include shaving and trimming beards. It is typically used when talking about the services offered by a professional barber.

  • He decided to pursue a career in barbering
facial grooming

This term encompasses a wider range of activities related to maintaining the appearance of one's face, including shaving, trimming beards, and skincare routines. It's often used in the context of personal care and hygiene.

  • His daily facial grooming routine includes shaving, moisturizing, and exfoliating
shave service

This phrase is often used in the context of services provided by professionals, typically in a barber shop or salon, indicating a specialized shaving service.

  • He booked a shave service at the luxury barber shop downtown

Examples of usage

  • He went to the barber shop for a traditional shaving experience.
  • The barber offered a hot towel treatment before starting the shaving process.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice of shaving dates back to ancient Egypt, where men and women used sharpened stones and seashells to remove hair.
  • In ancient Rome, shaving became a popular trend, as it was seen as a sign of cleanliness and sophistication among citizens.
  • The first safety razor was invented in 1880, making shaving easier and safer for the average man.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a clean-shaven face is associated with youth and professionalism, influencing personal and workplace grooming standards.
  • Some religious traditions, such as Sikhism, encourage men to keep their hair uncut, creating a stark contrast with societal norms around shaving.
  • In the 20th century, mustaches and beards became fashionable, leading to a renewed interest in barber shops and traditional grooming.

Science

  • Shaving does not affect the thickness or growth rate of hair, despite common misconceptions; it's the blunt edge created by cutting that makes hair feel coarser.
  • Skin sensitivity to shaving products can lead to irritation or ingrown hairs, prompting the development of specialized creams and razors.
  • Regular shaving can promote skin health by removing dead skin cells and allowing for better skincare absorption.

Psychological Effects

  • For many, shaving is a daily ritual that promotes a sense of control and self-care, enhancing overall mood and confidence.
  • Studies show that individuals often associate clean-shaven appearances with better social and professional outcomes, impacting self-perception.
  • The act of shaving can vary in emotional significance; for some, itโ€™s a means of personal expression, while for others, it might be seen as a chore.

Technology

  • Electric shavers were invented in the early 20th century, revolutionizing the shaving experience by offering a quicker and more convenient option.
  • Modern razors often come with technology designed to reduce nicks and cuts, such as moisture strips and flexible heads that adapt to contours.
  • Smart razors with integrated lights and sensors are being developed, aiming to optimize the shaving process with real-time feedback.

Origin of 'shaving'

The word 'shaving' originated from the Old English word 'sceafan', meaning 'to scrape, shave, shear'. Throughout history, shaving has been a common practice for personal grooming and hygiene. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all practiced some form of shaving. In the 18th century, the straight razor became popular for shaving, and later innovations led to safety razors and electric shavers. Today, shaving remains an integral part of many people's daily routines, with various techniques and products available for a smooth and comfortable shave.

See also: shaver, shavers, shavings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,443, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.