Meaning & use
inscribed in
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Written or carved as words on the surface of something, especially as a permanent record.
Grammar: Follows a noun or a form of be: 'The name is inscribed in gold.' The object after 'in' is the surface or material.
Patterns
- be inscribed in something
- something is inscribed in something
The winner's name is inscribed in gold letters on the trophy.
A short poem was inscribed in the stone above the door.
Her initials were inscribed in the silver locket she always wore.
phrasefixed phrasemathematicstechnical
Drawn or placed inside a shape so that it fits exactly within its boundaries, used in geometry.
Grammar: Usually passive: 'The circle is inscribed in the square.' The shape after 'in' is the larger figure that contains it.
Patterns
- be inscribed in a circle
- be inscribed in a triangle
- a polygon inscribed in a circle
The triangle is inscribed in the circle so that each vertex touches the edge.
Students learned how to draw a square inscribed in a given circle.
An angle inscribed in a semicircle is always a right angle.
phrasefixed phraseformal
Formally recorded or dedicated within a particular book, document, or system.
Grammar: Often used for dedications or official records: 'This truth is inscribed in the pages of history.'
Patterns
- be inscribed in a book
- be inscribed in the record
- be inscribed in history
The author's dedication is inscribed in the front of the book.
Their promise was inscribed in the official minutes of the meeting.
The date of the treaty is inscribed in the national archives.
Common combinations
- inscribed in gold
- The message was inscribed in gold on the inside of the ring.
- inscribed in stone
- The law was inscribed in stone so that everyone could see it.
- inscribed in a circle
- The hexagon is inscribed in a circle with radius 5 cm.
- inscribed in the memory
- That day is inscribed in my memory forever.
- inscribed in the pages of history
- Her achievements are inscribed in the pages of history.
Synonyms and how they differ
- engraved
- Use 'engraved' when the words are cut into a hard surface; 'inscribed' is broader and can also mean written or printed.
- written
- More general than 'inscribed'; 'inscribed' suggests something formal, permanent, or carefully placed.
- embossed
- Means raised on a surface; 'inscribed' usually means cut in or written on, not raised.
Word family
- inscribe verb
- To write or carve words on something.
- inscription noun
- Words written or carved on a surface.
- inscribed adjective
- Having words written or carved on it.
Commonly confused: inscribed in or described in? inscribed in or prescribed in?
inscribed in vs described in
Means explained or represented in words; 'inscribed in' means physically written or drawn inside something.
inscribed in vs prescribed in
Means officially stated or required in a rule or document; 'inscribed in' focuses on being written or marked on a surface.
Practice
The names of the fallen soldiers are ___ the memorial wall.
Choose one answer.
'Inscribed in' means carved or written on a surface, which fits a memorial wall. 'Described in' means explained in words, 'prescribed in' means required by a rule, and 'subscribed in' is not a standard phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inscribed in”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.