palimpsest
/ˈpæl.ɪmpsest/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A thing that still shows traces of its earlier form, even after being changed or covered. It is often used for texts, places, or ideas.
- The city is a palimpsest of old and new architecture.
- Her notebook became a palimpsest of sketches and notes.
Adinary Nuance
A palimpsest is not just something old. It is something new that still carries visible signs of what came before. Use it when you want to show layers, memory, or history, not just age. It is more literary than words like “remains” or “trace.”
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bản chồng lớp
- Spanish
- palimpsesto
- Chinese
- 重写本
- Japanese
- パリンプセスト
- Korean
- 팔림프세스트
Etymology
From Greek palimpsēstos, meaning “scraped again.” In the past, writing surfaces were cleaned and reused, leaving traces of the old writing.
Common phrases
a palimpsest of historythe city as a palimpsestlayers of a palimpsest
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is palimpsest a common word in everyday English?
- No, it is uncommon. You will see it more in academic, literary, or historical writing.
- What is the difference between palimpsest and trace?
- A trace is a small sign. A palimpsest suggests many layers, with old and new still visible together.
- Can I use palimpsest for a city or place?
- Yes. Writers often use it for cities, because old buildings and history remain beneath later changes.
- Is palimpsest formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and literary. It sounds natural in essays, reports, and descriptive writing.