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paleography

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //pæl.iˈɒɡ.rə.fi//

KK: /pælɪˈɒɡrəfi/

noun
Definition

The study of ancient writing and how it was formed, often focusing on old documents and inscriptions.


Example

She is an expert in paleography and can read ancient manuscripts.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of paleography?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's the study of ancient writing, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I find it fascinating how they interpret old documents.
Sloth B
Me too, especially how it helps us understand history better.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
script
writing
inscription
Antonyms
modernity
contemporary
novelty
Root Explanation

Paleography → It is formed from "paleo-" (from Greek "palaios", meaning ancient) and "graphia" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write). The word refers to the study of ancient writing systems and historical manuscripts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ancient' ('paleo-') writing ('graphia') to remember that paleography is the study of ancient writing.

Visually Confused Words
palaeography
palaeograph
splenography
psalmography
phlebography
palatography
balneography
pallograph
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