C1verb 2K

Carve

🇬🇧 UK /["/kɑːv/","/kɑːvz/","/kɑːvd/","/ˈkɑːvɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/kɑːrv/","/kɑːrvz/","/kɑːrvd/","/ˈkɑːrvɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Carve

to make objects, patterns, etc. by cutting away material from a piece of wood or stone, or another hard material

In simple words: To cut or shape something, usually wood or food.

Carve in a sentence

• Artists often carve intricate designs into wood.
• She plans to carve a pumpkin for Halloween.
• He can carve his name into the wet cement.
• The sculptor can carve beautiful figures from marble.
• They decided to carve out some time for a vacation.
• You need to carve a space in your schedule for important meetings.
• She wants to carve a niche for herself in the art world.
• The chef will carve the roast at the dinner table.
• They plan to carve the ice sculpture for the festival.
• He managed to carve a path through the dense forest.

How to use Carve

Use 'carve' when talking about shaping materials like wood or making designs in food. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to use it too casually when discussing art.

Grammar pattern

carve + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'carving knife' — it helps you carve beautiful shapes out of wood or meat.

Related words

Collocations with Carve

• carve a statue
• carve wood
• carve a turkey
• carve out time
• carve a design

Synonyms for Carve

• sculpt
• engrave
• shape
• cut
• whittle

Opposites of Carve

• fill
• mold
• smooth

Common mistakes with Carve

• Confusing 'carve' with 'engrave' — 'carve' is more about shaping, while 'engrave' means to cut a design into a hard surface.
• Using 'carve' as a transitive verb without an object — 'I carve' should be followed by what is being carved.
• Mixing up 'carve' with 'slice' — 'slice' is used for cutting food in thin pieces, whereas 'carve' applies to shaping or creating something.

Frequently asked questions about Carve

What does Carve mean?

To cut or shape something, usually wood or food.

What is the definition of Carve?

to make objects, patterns, etc. by cutting away material from a piece of wood or stone, or another hard material

How do you use Carve in a sentence?

Artists often carve intricate designs into wood.

Can you give another example of Carve?

She plans to carve a pumpkin for Halloween.

What are synonyms for Carve?

Common alternatives include sculpt, engrave, shape, cut, whittle.

What is the opposite of Carve?

Opposite meanings include fill, mold, smooth.

What words go with Carve?

It commonly pairs with carve a statue, carve wood, carve a turkey, carve out time, carve a design.

What are common mistakes when using Carve?

Confusing 'carve' with 'engrave' — 'carve' is more about shaping, while 'engrave' means to cut a design into a hard surface. Using 'carve' as a transitive verb without an object — 'I carve' should be followed by what is being carved. Mixing up 'carve' with 'slice' — 'slice' is used for cutting food in thin pieces, whereas 'carve' applies to shaping or creating something.

How do you pronounce Carve?

US: /["/kɑːrv/","/kɑːrvz/","/kɑːrvd/","/ˈkɑːrvɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/kɑːv/","/kɑːvz/","/kɑːvd/","/ˈkɑːvɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Carve?

Use 'carve' when talking about shaping materials like wood or making designs in food. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to use it too casually when discussing art.

What CEFR level is Carve?

"Carve" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.