PENCILLED IN Meaning and
Definition
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"Pencilled in" is an idiomatic expression referring to a tentative arrangement or plan that has been noted down or scheduled using a pencil. In this context, the term "pencilled" is derived from the act of using a pencil to make a temporary or easily erasable mark. This phrase conveys the notion that the arrangement or plan is not yet officially confirmed or finalized, and it remains subject to change or modification.
When something is pencilled in, it implies that it is a provisional arrangement that has been initially considered or provisionally agreed upon and recorded for future reference. It often suggests that there may still be uncertainty or flexibility surrounding the event or arrangement, and further confirmation or adjustments might be required before it becomes definitive. The use of a pencil metaphorically indicates that the details can be revised or adjusted with relative ease, reflecting the fluidity or malleability of the arrangement.
The term is commonly used in diverse contexts, including scheduling appointments, arranging meetings, organizing events, or planning activities. For instance, if a meeting is pencilled in a calendar, it signifies that a possible date and time have been tentatively set, but it may still be subject to change based on further discussion or availability of participants. Similarly, if a person's name is pencilled in for an event, it means they have been provisionally included, but the definitive confirmation or alternative arrangements may be required. Overall, "pencilled in" serves as a term to describe preliminary plans or arrangements that are subject to alteration or confirmation before becoming definitive.
Common Misspellings for PENCILLED IN
- oencilled in
- lencilled in
- -encilled in
- 0encilled in
- pwncilled in
- psncilled in
- pdncilled in
- prncilled in
- p4ncilled in
- p3ncilled in
- pebcilled in
- pemcilled in
- pejcilled in
- pehcilled in
- penxilled in
- penvilled in
- penfilled in
- pendilled in
- penculled in
Etymology of PENCILLED IN
The phrase "pencilled in" is derived from the verb "pencil", which comes from the Latin word "penicillus", meaning "brush or small tail". In the 16th century, "pencil" started being used to refer to a thin cylindrical instrument used for writing or drawing, typically made of graphite or a similar substance. This writing utensil allowed for erasing and making changes, unlike ink pens or brushes.
The term "pencilled in" specifically emerged in the late 19th to early 20th centuries and is commonly used to describe a temporary arrangement or plan that has been tentatively marked with a pencil or written in a very light, easily erasable manner. It suggests a level of flexibility and the potential for alterations or modifications, as a pencil mark can be erased or changed more easily than an ink mark.
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