Is sculpt the same as carve?

They are close, but sculpt often sounds more artistic and careful. Carve is more general.

Can I use sculpt for ideas or language?

Yes, sometimes. It can mean to shape something carefully, like a plan or message.

Is sculpt a common word in business writing?

Not often. It is more common in art, design, and creative writing.

← Dictionary

sculpt

/skʌlpt/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To shape stone, wood, clay, or another material by carving, cutting, or modelling it. It can also mean to form something carefully with skill.

She sculpted the clay into a face.
The artist sculpted a lion from wood.
Years of practice sculpted his technique.

Adinary Nuance

Sculpt is more specific than make or shape. It suggests careful artistic work, often with your hands or tools. Use it when the result is crafted slowly and skillfully, not just formed quickly.

In other languages

Vietnamese: tạc
Spanish: esculpir
Chinese: 雕刻
Japanese: 彫刻する
Korean: 조각하다

Etymology

Sculpt comes from Latin sculptus, meaning “carved,” from sculpere, “to carve.” It entered English through French in the 16th century.

Common phrases

sculpt from claysculpt a statuesculpt a facesculpt the body

Synonyms

carve shape model chisel

Related words

sculpture artist statue mould craft

Frequently asked questions

Is sculpt the same as carve?: They are close, but sculpt often sounds more artistic and careful. Carve is more general.
Can I use sculpt for ideas or language?: Yes, sometimes. It can mean to shape something carefully, like a plan or message.
Is sculpt a common word in business writing?: Not often. It is more common in art, design, and creative writing.