Etched
/etʃt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cut or corrode a design or inscription into a hard surface.
/etʃ/
To cut or carve a design or inscription into a surface.
The jeweler etched the couple's initials onto the wedding bands.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're using a special pen to draw a cool design on a piece of metal. You're *etching* it!
👶 For kids: To make a picture or words on something by scratching it.
More Examples
Centuries of wind and rain had etched the features of the statue.
The artist meticulously etched the intricate details onto the glass.
How It's Used
"The artist etched a detailed landscape onto the copper plate."
"The names of the fallen soldiers were etched onto the memorial."
"The microchips are etched with tiny circuits."
To make a strong and lasting impression on someone's mind.
/etʃ/
To impress or fix something firmly in the mind.
The beautiful sunset was etched forever in their memories.
💡 Simply: When something happens that you just can't forget, like seeing a scary movie or meeting a superhero, it's *etched* in your memory!
👶 For kids: To remember something very well, like it's stuck in your head.
More Examples
The lessons of the past were deeply etched within the community.
The injustice he witnessed was etched onto his conscience.
How It's Used
"The traumatic experience was deeply etched in her memory."
"The image of the burning building was etched in his mind forever."
Idioms & expressions
etched in stone
Describes something that is permanent, unchangeable, or firmly established.
"The rules of the game are etched in stone and cannot be altered."
From Middle English *echen*, from Old French *eschier* ('to engrave, carve'), from Frankish *skīban* ('to split'), from Proto-Germanic *skībaną* ('to split').
The word 'etched' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to a method of engraving using acid. Its figurative sense, referring to memories, developed later.
Memory tip
Think of engraving a design onto a material, but using acid or a sharp tool to carve it.