inscribe
gb/ɪnskɹˈaɪb/ us/ɪnskɹˈaɪb/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
action
1
engrave words on a surface
To write or cut words on something such as a ring or stone.
Usage pattern:
inscribe [text/symbol] on [surface]; be inscribed with [text]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse inscribe with describe (they look similar but have different meanings).
Synonyms
engrave (Emphasizes cutting letters into a hard surface.)
|
carve (More physical and often deeper than writing.)
|
etch (Often implies using acid or fine lines, especially on metal or glass.)
Antonyms
erase (Remove written or engraved marks.)
|
remove (Take away an existing inscription or marking.)
Collocations
inscribe a message
|inscribe a name
|inscribe a date
|inscribe a ring
|inscribe a plaque
|inscribe a headstone
|inscribe a medal
|inscribed with initials
|inscribed on the back
|beautifully inscribed
Themes
objects
|art_design
|writing
Examples
- Their names were inscribed on a marble wall at the entrance.
- She inscribed the silver bracelet with the date of their wedding.
- The trophy is inscribed with the winner’s name each year.
Learner examples
- He inscribed his initials on the ring.
- The stone is inscribed with a short message.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
write a dedication in a book
To write a special message inside a book for someone.
Usage pattern:
inscribe [book/item] to [someone]; inscribe [message] in [book/item]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse inscribe where write is more natural in casual speech (e.g., write a note).
Synonyms
dedicate (Focuses on the act of offering the work to someone; can be printed or written.)
|
write (in) (More general and less formal than inscribe.)
Antonyms
leave blank (Not write any message or dedication.)
Collocations
inscribe a book
|inscribe a copy
|inscribe a novel
|inscribe a message
|inscribe a dedication
|inscribe it to her
|inscribe it for him
|inscribe the inside cover
|inscribe the title page
|warmly inscribed
Themes
relationships
|gifts
|writing
Examples
- The author inscribed the book to my sister and signed her name.
- He inscribed a short note inside the cover before giving it to her.
- Would you like me to inscribe the copy with a personal message?
Learner examples
- She inscribed the book to her friend.
- He inscribed a message on the first page.
Verb
formal
C2
action
3
formally add to a list
To officially put a name on a list.
Usage pattern:
inscribe [someone/something] on/in [list/register]; be inscribed on/in [list/register]
Common mistake:
In everyday contexts, enroll or register is usually more natural than inscribe for signing up.
Synonyms
register (Common in modern English for officially recording details.)
|
enroll (Especially for joining a course or program.)
|
enter (Neutral verb for putting information into a list or system.)
Antonyms
remove (Take a name off a list or register.)
|
expunge (Formally delete from official records.)
Collocations
inscribe a name
|inscribe someone on the roll
|inscribe someone in the register
|inscribed on the honor roll
|inscribed in the records
|officially inscribed
Themes
education
|government
|law
Examples
- Her name was inscribed in the university’s register of graduates.
- The committee inscribed the winners on the official roll.
- Only members inscribed on the list may vote.
Learner examples
- His name is inscribed on the list.
- They inscribed the winners in the record.
Verb
technical
C2
action
4
draw a shape inside another
In geometry, to draw a shape inside another so it just touches the sides.
Usage pattern:
inscribe [shape] in [another shape]
Synonyms
circumscribe (The opposite relationship: draw a shape around another so it encloses it.)
Antonyms
circumscribe (Enclose a figure rather than placing it inside.)
Collocations
inscribe a circle in a square
|inscribe a polygon in a circle
|inscribed triangle
|inscribed angle
|inscribed circle
Themes
education
|mathematics
Examples
- In the diagram, a circle is inscribed in the square.
- Students learned how to inscribe a regular hexagon in a circle.
- The problem asks you to inscribe a triangle inside the given circle.
Learner examples
- We inscribed a circle in the square.
- She inscribed a triangle in the circle.
Verb
literary
C1
action
5
fix something permanently in memory
To make something stay in memory for a long time.
Usage pattern:
be inscribed in [memory/history/mind]
Synonyms
imprint (Often suggests a strong emotional effect that stays with you.)
|
etch (Common figurative alternative meaning ‘leave a lasting mark’.)
Antonyms
forget (Not keep something in memory.)
|
erase (Remove from memory or records (often figurative).)
Collocations
inscribed in memory
|inscribed in history
|inscribed in the mind
|forever inscribed
|deeply inscribed
Themes
emotions
|history
|literature
Examples
- The scene was inscribed in her memory for years afterward.
- That moment is inscribed in the country’s history.
- His words stayed with her, inscribed in her mind.
Learner examples
- The day is inscribed in my memory.
- Her words were inscribed in his mind.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inscribe
IPA
GB/ɪnskɹˈaɪb/
US/ɪnskɹˈaɪb/
Syllables & stress
in - scribe (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (scribe)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: inscribe
- 3rd Person Singular: inscribes
- Present Participle: inscribing
- Past: inscribed
Word family
Expressions
be inscribed on
1/bˈi ɪnskɹˈaɪbd ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
formal
appear as an engraved inscription
To be written or cut on something.
Examples
- A quote from the speech is inscribed on the memorial.
- Their family motto is inscribed on the shield.
- The winner’s name is inscribed on the base.
be inscribed with
1/bˈi ɪnskɹˈaɪbd wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
formal
have engraved text on it
To have words written or cut on something.
Examples
- The pendant is inscribed with her initials.
- Each medal is inscribed with the year of the event.
- The stone was inscribed with a simple cross.
inscribe (a book) to (someone)
1/ɪnskɹˈaɪb ə bˈʊk tə sˈʌmwˌʌn/
fixed phrase
formal
write dedication for someone
To write a special message in a book for someone.
Examples
- The poet inscribed the collection to her mentor.
- He asked the author to inscribe the book to his daughter.
- She inscribed a copy to each of the finalists.
inscribe (something) on (something)
1/ɪnskɹˈaɪb sˈʌmθɪŋ ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
write or engrave onto surface
To write or cut words on something.
Examples
- They inscribed his name on the trophy.
- She inscribed a short message on the back of the photo.
- The dates are inscribed on a bronze plaque.