Basic Details
Word: Pencil
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A tool used for writing or drawing, made of a thin stick of wood and containing graphite.
Synonyms: Writing instrument, graphite stick
Antonyms: Pen, marker
Idioms and Phrases
- Pencil in: To make a temporary arrangement or plan. Example: "Let's pencil in a date for our meeting but confirm it later."
- Pencil it out: To analyse or calculate something carefully. Example: "I need to pencil it out to see if we have enough money for the trip."
Usage Examples
Example 1: I prefer to use a pencil because I can easily erase my mistakes.
Example 2: In art class, we started our sketches with a pencil before adding colour.
Example 3: The teacher asked us to write our answers in pencil so we could correct them if needed.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the pencil as we know it today was invented in the 16th century, and the word "pencil" comes from the Latin word "penicillus," which means "little tail"? This refers to the fine point of a brush used by artists.
Famous Quote
"The pencil is the most important tool for a writer." - Clive James
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "pencil" mean?
a) A type of paint
b) A tool for writing
c) A kind of paper
d) A musical instrument
Answer: b) A tool for writing
2. Which of these is a synonym of "pencil"?
a) Marker
b) Writing instrument
c) Paintbrush
d) Crayon
Answer: b) Writing instrument
3. Which sentence uses "pencil" correctly?
a) The pencil flew across the room.
b) I wrote my letter with a pencil.
c) The pencil was singing a song.
d) She painted the wall with a pencil.
Answer: b) I wrote my letter with a pencil.
4. Which idiom means to make a temporary plan?
a) Pencil it out
b) Pencil in
c) Break a pencil
d) Draw with a pencil
Answer: b) Pencil in
5. What is the opposite of "pencil"?
a) Eraser
b) Marker
c) Paper
d) N/A
Answer: b) Marker
