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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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hieroglyphics

IPA:

How to pronounce hieroglyphics (audio)

Dictionary definition of hieroglyphics

A system of writing used by the ancient Egyptians.
"The walls of the ancient temple were adorned with intricate hieroglyphics depicting mythological stories."

Detailed meaning of hieroglyphics

It is characterized by a combination of pictorial symbols and phonetic elements, making it a complex and visually intriguing writing system. Hieroglyphics were primarily used for religious, historical, and monumental inscriptions. The term itself originates from the Greek words "hieros" meaning "sacred" and "glyphein" meaning "to carve," reflecting the sacred and enduring nature of the script. Each hieroglyphic symbol represents a concept, an object, or a sound. Some symbols are phonetic, representing specific sounds or syllables, while others are logographic, representing whole words or ideas. Hieroglyphics were primarily written on papyrus scrolls, tomb walls, and other monumental structures. Deciphering hieroglyphics was a significant breakthrough in understanding the ancient Egyptian civilization, as it revealed details about their history, culture, religion, and language. Today, hieroglyphics continue to fascinate and provide valuable insights into the ancient world, and their study remains an important part of Egyptology and archaeology.

Example sentences containing hieroglyphics

1. The archaeologist painstakingly deciphered the hieroglyphics on the ancient artifact.
2. The Rosetta Stone played a crucial role in unlocking the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphics.
3. The museum curator curated a collection of ancient scrolls containing hieroglyphics.
4. The tour guide explained the meaning behind the hieroglyphics on the tomb walls.
5. The hieroglyphics carved on the obelisk served as a memorial to the pharaoh.
6. The linguist specialized in translating hieroglyphics and uncovering their hidden meanings.

History and etymology of hieroglyphics

The noun 'hieroglyphics' has its origins in the Greek language, where it is formed from two Greek words: 'hieros,' meaning 'sacred,' and 'glyphein,' meaning 'to carve' or 'to inscribe.' This term was used by the ancient Greeks to describe the intricate system of writing they observed in ancient Egypt. In Egyptian culture, hieroglyphics were indeed considered sacred, as they were used for inscribing religious and monumental texts. The etymology of 'hieroglyphics' highlights the reverence and significance attributed to this ancient script, which consisted of complex symbols and pictorial characters that conveyed both words and ideas. Today, 'hieroglyphics' refers to the system of writing used by the ancient Egyptians, known for its rich symbolism and historical importance.

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Further usage examples of hieroglyphics

1. The schoolchildren were fascinated by the hieroglyphics they saw during their museum visit.
2. The scribe meticulously wrote hieroglyphics on the papyrus scroll.
3. The ancient book contained a wealth of knowledge written in hieroglyphics.
4. The deciphered hieroglyphics shed light on the daily life of the ancient Egyptians.
5. The inscription in hieroglyphics on the statue revealed the name of the revered pharaoh.
6. The archaeologists deciphered the ancient hieroglyphics.
7. Hieroglyphics were the script of choice in ancient Egypt.
8. The tomb walls were adorned with intricate hieroglyphics.
9. Understanding hieroglyphics was key to deciphering history.
10. The Rosetta Stone played a crucial role in decoding hieroglyphics.
11. Hieroglyphics were used to record religious texts.
12. Tourists marveled at the preserved hieroglyphics in the temple.
13. He dedicated his life to studying Egyptian hieroglyphics.
14. The scribe meticulously transcribed hieroglyphics onto papyrus.
15. Hieroglyphics were an essential part of ancient Egyptian culture.
16. The pharaoh's tomb was filled with hieroglyphics detailing his life.
17. Hieroglyphics often depicted gods and mythical creatures.
18. The symbols of hieroglyphics were both artistic and symbolic.
19. The museum exhibit showcased the evolution of hieroglyphics.
20. Scholars spent years deciphering the hieroglyphics on the obelisk.
21. The priestess could read and write hieroglyphics fluently.
22. Hieroglyphics provided insights into daily life in ancient Egypt.
23. The textbook explained the grammar of hieroglyphics.
24. The tablet contained hieroglyphics that told a legendary tale.
25. Hieroglyphics remained a mystery until the code was cracked.

Discourse and Conveyance, Complexity and Intricacy, Writing and Composing

characters,emblems,figures,glyphs,icons,inscriptions,marks,pictograms,representations,scripts,signs,symbols

pictograms, plaintext, straightforward text, clear writing

eb68db_4f9adc929a1c418f9193c624ea213ec7.mp3

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