What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inscribe
Example
The artist inscribed her name on the back of the painting. [inscribed: past tense]
Example
The trophy was inscribed with the winner's name and the date. [inscribed: verb]
engrave
Example
The jeweler engraved the couple's initials on the wedding rings. [engraved: past tense]
Example
The artist used a chisel to engrave the design onto the copper plate. [engrave: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inscribe is more commonly used than engrave in everyday language. Inscribe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while engrave is less common and refers to a more specific type of marking or design.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inscribe and engrave?
Both inscribe and engrave can be used in formal or informal contexts, but engrave may be considered more formal due to its association with decorative or artistic purposes.
