How Do You Spell PENCIL?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛnsə͡l] (IPA)

The word "pencil" is spelled phonetically with the following IPA transcription: /ˈpɛnsəl/. The first syllable "pen" is pronounced with a short "e" sound and the remaining two syllables "cil" are pronounced with a soft "s" sound. This word has its origin in the Old French word "pincel" meaning a small paintbrush, more commonly known today as a "pencil." The standardized spelling of "pencil" dates back to the 16th century, making it a word with a rich history in the English language.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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PENCIL Meaning and Definition

  1. A pencil is a writing instrument that consists of a long, cylindrical, and slender rod usually made of wood or graphite, encased in a tube of material that serves as its outer shell. The rod is often referred to as the "lead" even though it does not contain actual lead. The lead is a mixture of graphite and clay that leaves marks on paper when applied with pressure.

    The outer shell of a pencil is typically made from wood, plastic, or metal, providing structure and stability to the instrument. It may feature an eraser attached to one end, made from a rubber-like material, to allow for the correction or erasure of mistakes.

    Pencils are primarily used for writing, drawing, or sketching. Their versatility makes them popular among students, artists, architects, and writers. The graphite core allows for precise lines and shading, and through varying pressure, different levels of darkness can be achieved. Pencils are known for providing greater control and ease of correction compared to other writing tools.

    They come in various shapes, sizes, and hardness levels, which are categorized using a numerical scale. The higher the number, the harder the lead, resulting in lighter marks. Conversely, low-numbered pencils have softer leads for darker and smoother lines. Pencils are commonly sharpened with a pencil sharpener or a knife, which removes the outer layer to expose fresh lead.

    In summary, a pencil is a versatile writing and drawing instrument comprised of a long, thin rod of graphite encased in an outer shell. Its convenient size, range of hardness, and ease of correction make it a preferred tool in various creative and educational pursuits.

  2. 1. A roll of lint or other material in the form of a cylinder. 2. A stick of lunar caustic pointed like a pencil. 3. All the rays of light focussed at a given point.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • A thin strip or thread of plumbago or black-lead, or other substance, generally enclosed in a cover of soft wood, and pointed at one end, used for writing or drawing; a small fine brush used in painting; the art of drawing; a collection of rays of light converging to, or diverging from, a single point.
    • To write, mark, or sketch with a pencil; to delineate.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PENCIL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PENCIL

Etymology of PENCIL

The word "pencil" derives from the Latin word "pencillus", which means "little tail" or "brush". In the 14th century, this term was used to describe an artist's fine brush or paintbrush. Eventually, the word evolved to refer to a thin cylindrical instrument used for writing or drawing.

Idioms with the word PENCIL

  • have lead in one’s pencil The idiom "have lead in one’s pencil" is an expression used to refer to a person's level of sexual potency or virility. It implies that someone has a strong, active, and satisfying sex life or sexual drive.
  • put/set pencil to paper The idiom "put/set pencil to paper" means to begin writing or drawing, typically implying the act of starting a creative or academic endeavor. It signifies the initial step of translating thoughts or ideas into a tangible form on paper.
  • put lead in one's pencil The idiom "put lead in one's pencil" is a colloquial phrase typically used to describe someone's enhanced or increased sexual vigor, stamina, or performance. It suggests that someone has regained or gained energy and enthusiasm for sexual activities.
  • lead in your pencil The idiom "lead in your pencil" typically refers to having sexual desire, vigor, or energy, especially in a man.
  • pencil sm or sth in To "pencil someone or something in" means to tentatively schedule or make plans for someone or something, usually in a flexible or provisional manner. It implies that the plans are not set in stone and can be adjusted or altered if necessary.
  • in pencil The idiom "in pencil" refers to something that is not yet permanent, definite, or set in stone. It suggests that an idea, plan, or decision is still subject to change or modification. It implies a level of tentativeness or flexibility.
  • lead in (one's) pencil The idiom "lead in (one's) pencil" is often used as a euphemism to describe a person's level of sexual energy or virility. It suggests that someone has a strong or vigorous presence in terms of their sexual desire or performance.
  • put lead in your pencil The idiom "put lead in your pencil" means to enhance or increase one's physical or sexual stamina or ability. It is often used colloquially to suggest boosting energy levels, vigor, or motivation.
  • pencil sb/sth in The idiom "pencil sb/sth in" is often used to indicate that someone plans to schedule or arrange a meeting, appointment, or event, but with the understanding that it is not yet confirmed or set in stone. It implies that the tentative plan is subject to change or further discussion.
  • put lead in pencil

Similar spelling words for PENCIL

Plural form of PENCIL is PENCILS

Conjugate verb Pencil

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have pencilled
you would have pencilled
he/she/it would have pencilled
we would have pencilled
they would have pencilled
I would have pencil
you would have pencil
he/she/it would have pencil
we would have pencil
they would have pencil

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been pencilling
you would have been pencilling
he/she/it would have been pencilling
we would have been pencilling
they would have been pencilling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would pencil
you would pencil
he/she/it would pencil
we would pencil
they would pencil

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be pencilling
you would be pencilling
he/she/it would be pencilling
we would be pencilling
they would be pencilling

FUTURE

I will pencil
you will pencil
he/she/it will pencil
we will pencil
they will pencil

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be pencilling
you will be pencilling
he/she/it will be pencilling
we will be pencilling
they will be pencilling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have pencilled
you will have pencilled
he/she/it will have pencilled
we will have pencilled
they will have pencilled
I will have pencilled, will have penciled
we will have pencilled, will have penciled
you will have pencilled, will have penciled
he/she/it will have pencilled, will have penciled
they will have pencilled, will have penciled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been pencilling
you will have been pencilling
he/she/it will have been pencilling
we will have been pencilling
they will have been pencilling

IMPERATIVE

you pencil
we let´s pencil

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to pencil

PAST

I pencilled, penciled
we pencilled, penciled
you pencilled, penciled
he/she/it pencilled, penciled
they pencilled, penciled

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was pencilling
you were pencilling
he/she/it was pencilling
we were pencilling
they were pencilling

PAST PARTICIPLE

pencilled

PAST PERFECT

I had pencilled
you had pencilled
he/she/it had pencilled
we had pencilled
they had pencilled
I had pencilled, had penciled
we had pencilled, had penciled
you had pencilled, had penciled
he/she/it had pencilled, had penciled
they had pencilled, had penciled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been pencilling
you had been pencilling
he/she/it had been pencilling
we had been pencilling
they had been pencilling

PRESENT

I pencil
you pencil
he/she/it pencils
we pencil
they pencil

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am pencilling
you are pencilling
he/she/it is pencilling
we are pencilling
they are pencilling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

pencilling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have pencilled
you have pencilled
he/she/it has pencilled
we have pencilled
they have pencilled
I have penciled, have pencilled
we have penciled, have pencilled
you have penciled, have pencilled
he/she/it has penciled, has pencilled
they have penciled, have pencilled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been pencilling
you have been pencilling
he/she/it has been pencilling
we have been pencilling
they have been pencilling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it pencil

SIMPLE PAST

I pencilled
you pencilled
he/she/it pencilled
we pencilled
they pencilled
I am penciling, am pencilling
we are pencilling, are penciling
you are pencilling, are penciling
he/she/it is penciling, is pencilling
they are pencilling, are penciling
I was pencilling, was penciling
we were penciling, were pencilling
you were penciling, were pencilling
he/she/it was pencilling, was penciling
they were penciling, were pencilling
I will be penciling, will be pencilling
we will be penciling, will be pencilling
you will be penciling, will be pencilling
he/she/it will be penciling, will be pencilling
they will be penciling, will be pencilling
I have been penciling, have been pencilling
we have been penciling, have been pencilling
you have been pencilling, have been penciling
he/she/it has been penciling, has been pencilling
they have been pencilling, have been penciling
I had been pencilling, had been penciling
we had been pencilling, had been penciling
you had been pencilling, had been penciling
he/she/it had been pencilling, had been penciling
they had been pencilling, had been penciling
I will have been penciling, will have been pencilling
we will have been penciling, will have been pencilling
you will have been penciling, will have been pencilling
he/she/it will have been penciling, will have been pencilling
they will have been penciling, will have been pencilling
I would have pencilled, would have penciled
we would have pencilled, would have penciled
you would have pencilled, would have penciled
he/she/it would have pencilled, would have penciled
they would have pencilled, would have penciled
I would be pencilling, would be penciling
we would be pencilling, would be penciling
you would be pencilling, would be penciling
he/she/it would be pencilling, would be penciling
they would be pencilling, would be penciling
I would have been pencilling, would have been penciling
we would have been pencilling, would have been penciling
you would have been pencilling, would have been penciling
he/she/it would have been pencilling, would have been penciling
they would have been pencilling, would have been penciling

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Correct spelling for pencil
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