Archaeological Excavation Vocabulary

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

pronoun a word that can function as a noun phrase used by itself and that refers either to the participants in the discourse (e.g., I, you) or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse (e.g., she, it, this)

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• Beneath one's dignity, lies the act of deceit.
• I can't believe she would stoop so low, it's beneath her.
• Dude, cheating on the test is totally beneath you.
• Beneath one's tough exterior, there is a kind heart.

verb to bury (a dead body) in the ground

• The archaeologists were careful not to disturb the graves as they worked to inhume the ancient remains.
• The burial ceremony will take place tomorrow as we inhume our beloved family member.
• I heard they're going to inhume the evidence to cover up the crime.
• The artist wanted to inhume their emotions in their latest painting, creating a powerful and emotional piece.

noun a stale, moldy, or damp smell or condition

• The old library was filled with the mustiness of ancient books.
• I can't stand the mustiness in this basement, we need to air it out.
• The mustiness in this room is giving me the heebie-jeebies.
• The mustiness of their relationship was evident in the way they barely spoke to each other.

noun A long, narrow ditch typically used for military purposes such as defense or drainage.

• The soldiers dug a deep trench to protect themselves from enemy fire.
• I almost tripped and fell into that trench on the side of the road.
• That party was so boring, I felt like I was stuck in a social trench all night.
• She felt like she was in a deep emotional trench after the breakup.

verb to reveal or make known something that was previously hidden or secret

• The detective was able to uncover new evidence in the case.
• I can't wait to uncover the surprise party plans for my birthday!
• Let's go explore the abandoned building and see what we can uncover.
• Through therapy, she was able to uncover deep-seated emotions that were holding her back.

noun the action or process of revealing or making known something that was previously hidden or secret

verb to reveal or make known something that was previously hidden or secret

• The forensic team is currently uncovering new evidence at the crime scene.
• I heard they're uncovering some juicy gossip about the new employee.
• They're digging deep and uncovering all the dirt on that shady politician.
• Through meditation, we are capable of uncovering our true selves and inner peace.