graven

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb shape (a material like stone or wood) by whittling away at it
  2. verb carve, cut, or etch into a material or surface
  3. adjective cut into a desired shape

Etymology

From Middle English graven, igraven, from Old English grafen, ġegrafen, from Proto-Germanic *grabanaz, past participle of Proto-Germanic *grabaną (“to dig, trench”).

Synonyms

sculpt, sculpture, grave

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