What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engrave
Example
The artist engraved his signature onto the metal plate. [engraved: past tense]
Example
She plans to engrave her initials on the silver bracelet. [engrave: verb]
etch
Example
The artist etched a beautiful landscape onto the glass vase. [etched: past tense]
Example
He used acid to etch the design onto the copper plate. [etch: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Engrave is more commonly used than etch in everyday language. Engrave is a versatile term and can be used in various contexts, while etch is less common and is mainly used in artistic or decorative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between engrave and etch?
Both engrave and etch are formal terms that are often used in artistic or professional contexts. However, engrave may be slightly more formal due to its association with traditional craftsmanship and fine art.
