Pencil

Definition

Pencil is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a slender instrument typically made of wood or plastic with a graphite or colored core used for writing or drawing. As a verb, it means to write or draw with a pencil, or to make provisional marks.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɛn.səl/
• Respelling: PEN-suhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɛn.səl/
• Respelling: PEN-suhl

Etymology

The word "pencil" originates from Middle English "pensel," which referred to a small paintbrush. It is derived from Old French, which in turn comes from the Latin "penicillus," meaning "little tail" or "brush," a diminutive of "peniculus."

Derivatives

• Penciler (noun)
• Pencil case (noun)
• Pencil sharpener (noun)
• Penciled (verb, past tense)
• Pencil sketch (noun)

Synonyms

• Writing instrument
• Stylus
• Crayon

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "pencil" is used in education, art, and everyday contexts for writing and drawing. For example, "He used a pencil to sketch the portrait," or "Please write your answers in pencil for easy correction."

Related Terms

• Graphite: A form of carbon used as the core material in pencils.
• Eraser: A tool used to remove pencil marks.
• Sharpener: A device for shaving the wood of a pencil to expose more of the core.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An instrument for writing or drawing, typically made of wood with a graphite or colored core:
  • Example: "She bought a new set of colored pencils for her art project."
• A slender object used to mark surfaces:
  • Example: "The carpenter used a pencil to mark the wood before cutting."

Verb

• To write or draw with a pencil:
  • Example: "He penciled a quick sketch of the landscape."
• To make a provisional or tentative mark:
  • Example: "The meeting was penciled in for next Thursday."