incise

/ɪnˈsaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈsaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈsīz -ˈsīs/ (ame, mw)

incise — verb

  • incisepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • inciseshe / she / it
  • incisedpast simple
  • incising-ing form

1. to make a clean, careful cut into the outer layer of something using a sharp bla

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make a clean, careful cut into the outer layer of something using a sharp blade — what a surgeon does to skin, or what a botanist might do to a stem.

例句

The surgeon carefully incised the patient's abdomen along the marked line.

transitive: incise + body-part object

Shirin incised the bark of the rubber tree with a small curved knife.

incise + object + with + tool

同義詞
  • cut

    general; 'incise' is more clinical and precise

  • lance

    specifically to open a boil or swelling

文法句型

incise + object

incise + object + with + tool

用法筆記

Subject is usually a surgeon, vet, botanist, or someone performing a deliberate, precise cut; the object is typically skin, bark, or another outer layer. Distinguish from sense 2, where the action produces a visible mark or design rather than just opening a surface.

常見錯誤

Marco incised the bread for sandwiches.
Marco sliced the bread for sandwiches.
💡'incise' is for precise, often medical cuts, not everyday slicing.

2. to cut letters, patterns, or images into a hard surface so that the marks remain

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to cut letters, patterns, or images into a hard surface so that the marks remain visible — for example, words on a gravestone or figures on a clay pot.

例句

Caio incised his initials into the soft clay before it dried.

incise + design + into + surface

The names of fallen soldiers were incised on the marble wall.

passive: be incised on + surface

同義詞
  • engrave

    near-synonym; 'engrave' is more common in everyday speech

  • carve

    broader; can also mean shaping a whole object, not just a surface mark

  • etch

    often uses acid or a fine tool; common for metal and glass

文法句型

incise + design + into/on + surface

be incised with + design

用法筆記

Frequently passive when the focus is the finished inscription rather than the maker. Distinguish from sense 1: here the goal is a lasting mark or image, not merely to open the surface.

常見錯誤

Min incised a note on the paper.
Min wrote a note on the paper.
💡paper is too soft; 'incise' needs a firm surface like stone, metal, clay, or wood.