debossed
|de-boss|
🇺🇸
/dɪˈbɔːs/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈbɒs/
(deboss)
press into (make a depression)
Etymology
'deboss' originates from the English prefix 'de-' (meaning 'opposite' or 'remove') combined with 'boss' (a raised protuberance). The element 'boss' itself comes from Old French 'bosse' meaning 'bump' or 'swelling'.
'boss' came into English via Old French 'bosse' ("bump"). From this arose 'emboss' (Old French 'embosser') meaning to raise a design. 'Deboss' developed later in modern English as a formed opposite to 'emboss', using the prefix 'de-' to indicate making a depression rather than a projection.
Initially related to the idea of a 'bump' or raised area, the term evolved through 'emboss' (to raise a design) and then to 'deboss' to denote creating a depressed or sunken design; its modern meaning specifically refers to making a recessed impression.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'deboss' — to press a design into a material so the design is recessed below the surface.
They debossed the company logo on the leather cover, so the mark was subtle and recessed.
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Adjective 1
having a design or pattern pressed into the surface so it is set below the surrounding surface (the opposite of embossed).
The wedding invitations were debossed with a delicate floral pattern.
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Last updated: 2025/09/24 22:44