What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inscribe
Example
The artist inscribed his name on the sculpture. [inscribed: past tense]
Example
The author inscribed a message to her fans in the front cover of her book. [inscribed: verb]
imprint
Example
The child's footprints were imprinted in the sand. [imprinted: past tense]
Example
The teacher's lessons imprinted a love of learning in her students. [imprinted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inscribe is less commonly used than imprint in everyday language. Inscribe is typically used in formal or official contexts, while imprint can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inscribe and imprint?
Inscribe is typically associated with a formal and official tone, while imprint is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.