Agency Dictionary

Engraved

adjectivePronunciation: /ɪnˈɡreɪvd/

In Portuguese: Gravado

Design

What does “Engraved” mean?

Carved, cut, or etched deeply into a hard surface such as metal, wood, or stone.

Etymology

Past participle of engrave, formed from en- ("in") and the old verb grave, "to dig, to carve", from Old English grafan, a Germanic word related to grave (the burial place) and groove. The formation follows French engraver. The Germanic verb is unrelated to the adjective grave, "serious", which comes from Latin gravis. By extension the word is used for what is fixed in the memory or the heart.

Usage note

Engraving cuts the line directly with a tool; the phrase "engraved in memory" uses the same image of a mark that cannot be rubbed out.

Synonyms

carved
etched
incised
inscribed
chiselled
imprinted

Often confused with

etched: In printmaking, an etched line is bitten into the plate by acid, while an engraved line is cut by hand with a burin.

Word family

engrave
engraving
engraver
graven

Rhymes with

saved
paved
waved
craved
shaved
behaved
braved
enslaved

Usage examples

If you have been following, you might remember Issue.2, “a character is a lead block with a letter engraved on it and dipped in ink so that it can impress letters on paper”, and “the character is only revealed when you apply pressure to it.”

Concept

Typographic ImpressionTypographic impression is the physical mark and tactile indentation left on paper when ink-covered metal characters are subjected to mechanical pressure. In cultural…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.15 - 10.000 ImpressionsMay 4, 2023Read the edition

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pain pointnoun: A specific problem, difficulty or frustration that a person experiences when using a product or a service, and that design or marketing sets out to solve.
briefingnoun: A concise set of instructions or background information provided to guide a project or creative assignment.

Also from these editions: terms

syntheticadjective: Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
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Impressionnoun: An indentation or mark produced on a surface by pressure, or an effect or feeling produced in someone's mind.
Misogynynoun: Dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women that enforces patriarchal inequality and discrimination.
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Naivetynoun: Lack of worldly experience, cynicism, or judgment; natural innocence, simplicity, and uncorrupted openness of mind.
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Relentlessadjective: Oppressively constant, unyielding, and refusing to abate in intensity, pace, or determination.
Subordinationnoun: The act of placing in a lower rank or secondary position, or the state of being subject to the authority of another.