Bookshelves have become a common feature in homes, libraries, and offices, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. The growing use of e-books and digital reading platforms has altered how people interact with bookshelves, with many individuals opting for digital libraries instead of physical storage. However, physical bookshelves continue to be appreciated by those who enjoy collecting printed books. The design of bookshelves has also evolved, with modern bookshelves often incorporating sleek, minimalist designs, while others embrace vintage or antique styles. Bookshelves also come in various shapes and sizes, from traditional rectangular designs to unique, artistic, and modular configurations.
No exact match translations found for 'bookshelf' in urdu.
Word 'bookshelf' in Other Languages
- bookshelf in Assamese অসমীয়া
- bookshelf in Bengali বাংলা
- bookshelf in Bodo बड़ो
- bookshelf in Dogri डोगरी
- bookshelf in English
- bookshelf in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- bookshelf in Hindi हिन्दी
- bookshelf in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- bookshelf in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- bookshelf in Konkani कोंकणी
- bookshelf in Maithili মৈথিলী
- bookshelf in Malayalam മലയാളം
- bookshelf in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- bookshelf in Marathi मराठी
- bookshelf in Nepali नेपाली
- bookshelf in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- bookshelf in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- bookshelf in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- bookshelf in Santali
- bookshelf in Sindhi سنڌي
- bookshelf in Tamil தமிழ்
- bookshelf in Telugu తెలుగు
- bookshelf in Urdu اُردُو
Bookshelf
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈbʊkˌʃɛlf/
Definitions
- Noun: A piece of furniture with horizontal surfaces used for storing books.
- Noun: A framework or structure for holding or displaying books, typically made of wood, metal, or plastic.
- Noun: A shelf or shelves on which books are placed for storage or display.
Usage Examples
- "She arranged her books neatly on the bookshelf according to genre."
- "The old bookshelf was made of dark oak and was quite heavy."
- "He found the novel he was looking for on the bottom shelf of the bookshelf."
Etymology
The word "bookshelf" is derived from the combination of "book," from Old English "boc" (meaning "a written document") and "shelf," from Old English "sceolf," which refers to a flat horizontal surface or ledge. Bookshelves were first used in the medieval period when books became more widely available due to the printing press. Before that, books were often stored in libraries or on desks, and the concept of a dedicated bookshelf gradually emerged as the need for organization and preservation grew.
Synonyms
- Bookcase
- Shelf
- Bookshelves
- Library shelf
Antonyms
- Clutter
- Disorder
- Mess
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Estantería | /es.ta.nteˈɾi.a/ |
| French | Étagère | /e.ta.ʒɛʁ/ |
| German | Bücherregal | /ˈbyːçəʁeˌɡaːl/ |
| Hindi | पुस्तक अलमारी | /pustak almaari/ |
| Chinese | 书架 | /shūjià/ |
| Russian | Книжная полка | /ˈkniʐnɨjə ˈpolkə/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- US: /ˈbʊkˌʃɛlf/
- UK: /ˈbʊkˌʃɛlf/
- India: /ˈbʊkˌʃɛlf/ (similar to US)
Historical Usage
Bookshelves became essential in households and libraries as books became more accessible after the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. Before this, books were often stored in cabinets or chests due to their rarity. With the growing demand for books, bookshelves became integral to the design of libraries and home spaces. Over time, bookshelves evolved in both function and aesthetic, with designs ranging from simple, utilitarian shelves to decorative and elaborate pieces of furniture.
Cultural Nuances
Bookshelves often reflect the cultural value placed on books and reading. In many cultures, a well-organized bookshelf is seen as a symbol of knowledge and intellectualism. In some homes, bookshelves are used as a display of one’s literary interests or personal tastes. In contrast, in minimalist cultures, bookshelves are sometimes reduced to simple, functional designs to maximize space. In certain countries, such as Japan, bookshelves are integral to the design of home libraries, while in Western countries, bookshelves can be larger and more decorative, often serving as a focal point in the living room.