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Hieroglyph - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A hieroglyph is a symbol or character used in ancient writing systems, such as Egyptian, to represent words or sounds. These pictorial signs were often carved or painted on monuments and scrolls.

hieroglyph

/ˈhaɪrəˌɡlɪf/ /ˈhɪərəɡlɪf/

Definition:

A character of ancient writing systems, often pictorial, used in Egypt and other cultures.

Synonyms:

symbol, pictogram, sign, character

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

plain text, modern script

Common Collocations:

ancient hieroglyphs, decipher hieroglyphs, Egyptian hieroglyphs, hieroglyphic script

Derivatives:

hieroglyphic, hieroglyphics

Usage Tips:

Use "hieroglyph" to refer to individual symbols; "hieroglyphics" for the system or writing as a whole.

Common Phrases:

read hieroglyphs like a book, the Rosetta Stone of hieroglyphs

Etymology:

From Greek "hieros" (sacred) + "glyphein" (to carve), meaning sacred carvings.

Examples:

  • 1. The archaeologist studied the hieroglyph carefully.
  • 2. Can you draw an Egyptian hieroglyph?
  • 3. Hieroglyphs were used for religious texts.
  • 4. The stone was covered in mysterious hieroglyphs.
  • 5. She tried to decode the ancient hieroglyph.

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