lapis
C2Formal, technical, literary
Definition
Meaning
A semi-precious stone, especially lapis lazuli.
A term sometimes used in art and design for the distinctive blue colour derived from lapis lazuli; can appear in specific technical contexts (e.g., art history, mineralogy) or in poetic/literary usage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Lapis" is rarely used in English on its own outside of the phrase "lapis lazuli." Its independent use is highly specialized (art, antiquities, esoteric contexts) or poetic. It is a borrowing from Latin (meaning 'stone'), but in English, it is almost exclusively associated with the blue gemstone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes antiquity, luxury, artistry, and sometimes mysticism or esoteric knowledge.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts related to antique jewellery or art history.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Used attributively before a noun (e.g., lapis bead)Part of the compound noun 'lapis lazuli'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used, except possibly in very high-end jewellery or art auction catalogues.
Academic
Used in art history, archaeology, and mineralogy to describe artefacts, pigments, or specimens.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would almost always be in the full form 'lapis lazuli'.
Technical
Used in geology/mineralogy and historical pigment analysis (e.g., 'ground lapis').
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The necklace featured a stunning lapis pendant.
- She admired the lapis inlay on the antique box.
American English
- The artist used a genuine lapis pigment.
- He bought a ring with a lapis cabochon.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The museum displayed a beautiful vase made of lapis lazuli.
- Her favourite colour was the deep blue of lapis.
- Medieval illuminated manuscripts sometimes used ground lapis for the Virgin Mary's robes.
- The archaeologist identified the beads as genuine lapis from the Badakhshan mines.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LAP of luxurious, deep blue stone: a LAP IS made of lapis lazuli.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH IS PRECIOUS STONE (e.g., 'a fortune in lapis'); ANTIQUITY IS BURIED STONE (e.g., 'lapis from ancient tombs').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the common Russian word for 'pencil' (карандаш). 'Lapis' in English is not related to writing implements.
- The English word is specifically a gemstone term, not a general word for 'stone' (which would be 'stone' or 'rock').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lapis' alone in general conversation expecting to be understood. Most listeners will only recognise 'lapis lazuli.'
- Misspelling as 'lapiz' (influenced by Spanish).
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter the word 'lapis' used correctly on its own?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare and specialised word. It is almost always used as part of the term 'lapis lazuli.'
No. In English, 'lapis' specifically refers to lapis lazuli. It is not a generic term for blue stones like sapphire or azurite.
Historically, it was prized as a gemstone for jewellery and ornamentation, and ground into a precious pigment called ultramarine for painting.
It is pronounced /ˈlæp.ɪs/ (LAP-iss), with stress on the first syllable, in both British and American English.