How Do You Spell EXCAVATE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛkskəvˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "excavate" is spelled with a "c" after the "e" and before the "v" because it follows the "soft c" rule in English pronunciation. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word is transcribed as /ˈɛkskəveɪt/, indicating the stress on the second syllable and the "k" sound that follows the vowel "e". This word refers to the act of digging, especially in archaeological or construction contexts, and is derived from the Latin word "ex cavare" which means to dig out.

EXCAVATE Meaning and Definition

  1. Excavate is a verb that refers to the act of digging or removing material from an area, typically in order to uncover or expose something buried beneath the surface. The word is commonly associated with archaeological activities but can also be used more generally in different contexts.

    In the field of archaeology, excavation involves carefully digging through layers of soil or sediment to uncover buried artifacts, structures, or archaeological sites. Archaeologists use various tools such as shovels, trowels, and brushes to gently remove dirt and debris in order to reveal and document the historical remains.

    Outside the realm of archaeology, excavating can refer to other forms of digging, such as in construction and engineering projects. It involves the removal of earth or other materials from a designated area for various purposes, including building foundations, utility line installation, land development, or extracting minerals. Heavy machinery like excavators and backhoes are typically used in these contexts.

    Excavation can also have a metaphorical meaning, relating to the process of uncovering or unearthing information, ideas, or emotions. It can be used to describe the act of investigating or digging deep into a subject or matter in order to discover or reveal its hidden aspects.

    In summary, to excavate means to dig, remove, or uncover material from a specific area or subject, whether it be in the context of archaeology, construction, or metaphorically exploring and revealing information or ideas.

  2. To scoop or dig out; to hollow.

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

Common Misspellings for EXCAVATE

Etymology of EXCAVATE

The word excavate originated from the Latin word excavatus, which is the past participle of excavare. Excavare is derived from two Latin roots: ex, meaning out, and cavare, meaning to make hollow or dig.

Similar spelling words for EXCAVATE

Conjugate verb Excavate

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have excavated
you would have excavated
he/she/it would have excavated
we would have excavated
they would have excavated
I would have excavate
you would have excavate
he/she/it would have excavate
we would have excavate
they would have excavate

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have excavated
you will have excavated
he/she/it will have excavated
we will have excavated
they will have excavated

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you excavate
we let´s excavate

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to excavate

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

excavated

PAST PERFECT

I had excavated
you had excavated
he/she/it had excavated
we had excavated
they had excavated

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I excavate
you excavate
he/she/it excavates
we excavate
they excavate

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

excavating

PRESENT PERFECT

I have excavated
you have excavated
he/she/it has excavated
we have excavated
they have excavated

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it excavate

SIMPLE PAST

I excavated
you excavated
he/she/it excavated
we excavated
they excavated

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