graven: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary / Archaic / Religious
Quick answer
What does “graven” mean?
Carved, sculpted, or deeply etched into a surface, particularly stone or metal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Carved, sculpted, or deeply etched into a surface, particularly stone or metal.
Fixated deeply in the mind or memory; having a permanent, serious, or solemn impression.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Biblical, solemn, permanent, artistic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, confined to specific registers.
Grammar
How to Use “graven” in a Sentence
PP: graven IN/ON/UPON somethingPassive use: 'was graven'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graven” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The stonemason had graven the family crest into the lintel.
- His final words were graven upon the memorial.
American English
- The artisan graven the date into the silver cup.
- The commandment was graven upon the tablets of stone.
adjective
British English
- They worshipped before a graven idol.
- He examined the graven letters on the ancient plinth.
American English
- The museum displayed a graven stone from Mesopotamia.
- She avoided making any graven images.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in art history, archaeology, religious studies (e.g., 'graven artefacts').
Everyday
Not used in modern casual conversation.
Technical
Used in stone masonry, engraving, or printmaking as a descriptive term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graven”
- Using it as a present-tense verb (correct: 'engrave'; archaic past participle: 'graven').
- Confusing it with the more common 'grave' (noun or adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is rare and used primarily in literary, religious, or archaic contexts.
In the King James Bible: 'Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image' (Exodus 20:4).
Its use as a verb (past participle of 'grave' meaning 'to carve') is now archaic. 'Engraved' is the modern standard.
It functions primarily as an adjective (e.g., 'a graven image') and, archaically, as a past participle verb.
Carved, sculpted, or deeply etched into a surface, particularly stone or metal.
Graven is usually literary / archaic / religious in register.
Graven: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪv(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪvən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a graven image (idolatrous object)”
- “graven on my soul”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GRAVEstone that has a name GRAVEN upon it.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMORY IS AN INSCRIPTION (e.g., 'graven in my memory'). PERMANENCE IS BEING CARVED IN STONE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'graven' most appropriately used?