C1verb2K

Carve

UK /["/kɑːv/","/kɑːvz/","/kɑːvd/","/ˈkɑːvɪŋ/"]/US /["/kɑːrv/","/kɑːrvz/","/kɑːrvd/","/ˈkɑːrvɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • sculpt
  • engrave
  • shape
  • cut
  • whittle

Antonyms

  • fill
  • mold
  • smooth

Common mistakes

  • 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.