The word "bevelled" is spelled with two "l" letters, which might seem unnecessary to some English speakers. However, the double "l" represents the pronunciation of the word in IPA phonetics as /ˈbɛvəld/ or "bev-uld". The "l" letters in this case indicate a short, unstressed vowel sound followed by a voiced consonant, which is common in English. The spelling of "bevelled" may seem superfluous, but it reflects the word's pronunciation and helps non-native speakers understand its sound patterns.
Bevelled (also spelled beveled) is an adjective that describes an object with an angled or sloping edge or surface. This term is commonly used in the fields of woodworking, architecture, and engineering.
When an edge or surface is bevelled, it means that it has been cut or shaped in a way that removes the sharpness or adds a slanted angle to it. This intentional chamfer or sloping creates a more aesthetically pleasing and safer appearance, as it reduces the chances of splintering or injury from sharp edges.
Bevelled edges or surfaces can be found in various applications, including furniture, floorings, mirrors, window panes, and even metalwork. For instance, in woodworking, a bevelled edge can be commonly seen on cabinet doors, tabletops, or decorative moldings. In architecture, bevelled edges can be found in window frames, door frames, or moldings to add visual interest and reduce sharp corners.
In addition to its functional and safety benefits, bevelled edges or surfaces can also create a sense of depth, dimension, and elegance. The slanted angels catch light in different ways, creating shadows that add visual texture to an object or surface.
In summary, bevelled is an adjective that describes an edge or surface that has been cut or shaped at an angle or slope, providing both aesthetic appeal and safety benefits.
The word "bevelled" comes from the Old French word "baivel" or "beivel" which meant "slope" or "oblique side". This Old French word ultimately comes from the Latin word "bifurcare" which means "to bifurcate" or "to divide into two forks". The use of "bevelled" specifically referring to an inclined or sloping edge or surface can be traced back to the 1600s.