verbverb

incruster

inlay

Word: incruster

Language: French


Meaning:

The verb incruster has the following primary meanings in French:

  1. To inlay or embed (material/objects):
    This meaning refers to embedding or setting pieces of material (like jewels, stones, or something decorative) into another surface. For example, "incruster des bijoux dans un objet" means to embed jewels into an object, often to enhance its appearance.

  2. To superimpose (in audiovisual contexts):
    In modern usage, especially related to video and media, incruster means to superimpose or overlay an image or graphic onto another image or background, such as subtitles, logos, or video effects.

  3. Figurative sense - to stick with or haunt someone:
    Colloquially, it can also mean to persist, settle, or become embedded (figuratively) in something or someone, such as a feeling, idea, or stain that is hard to remove.


Etymology / Parts:

  • The verb is derived from the noun "crustule" (meaning a small crust), with the prefix "in-" indicating "into" or "inside," suggesting the action of putting something into a surface.

Synonyms:

  • For the material embedding meaning:

    • encastrer (to embed)
    • incruster des pierres → sertir (to set stones)
  • For the audiovisual meaning:

    • superposer (to superimpose)
    • intégrer (to integrate)
  • For the figurative meaning:

    • s'installer (to settle in)
    • s'imposer (to establish oneself)

Antonyms:

  • enlever (to remove)
  • décoller (to peel off / take off)
  • nettoyer (to clean off)

Example sentences:

  • Les artisans ont incrusté des perles dans le bois sculpté.
    (The artisans embedded pearls into the carved wood.)

  • Le journaliste a incrusté son logo sur la vidéo gagnante.
    (The journalist superimposed his logo on the winning video.)

  • Une idée s’est incrustée dans son esprit.
    (An idea settled firmly in his mind.)


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Examples

Hier, nous avons incrusté des coquillages sur le cadre pour le décorer.verb

Yesterday, we inlaid shells on the frame to decorate it.

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