Italic

Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun, Verb (used in typographic contexts)

Pronunciation

/ɪˈtælɪk/

Definitions

• Adjective: Referring to a style of typeface that is slanted to the right, used for emphasis or distinguishing certain words.
• Noun: A typeface that is slanted to the right, often used for emphasis, to indicate titles, or for foreign words.
• Verb: To write or print in italics (e.g., "Please italicize the key words").

Usage Examples

• The author used italic fonts to highlight key terms in the chapter.
• When writing, it is common to italicize foreign words to show they are not from the primary language.
• She prefers using italic text to emphasize important information in her notes.

Etymology

The term "italic" comes from the Latin word "Italicus," meaning "of Italy." The use of italics was developed in Italy in the 16th century by printer Aldus Manutius. The italic typeface was designed to mimic handwriting and was first used in printed works around 1500.

Synonyms

• Slanted
• Oblique
• Italicized
• Leaning

Antonyms

• Upright
• Regular
• Plain

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the "a" in italic is pronounced more sharply, /ɪˈtælɪk/.
• In American English, it is commonly pronounced in a more relaxed manner, /ɪˈtælɪk/ or /ɪˈtælk/.

Historical Usage

The italic typeface was developed in the early 1500s by Aldus Manutius, a Venetian printer, to mimic cursive handwriting. The term "italic" was later applied to the style of typeface. It became a standard in printing and has evolved into the familiar slanted font used for emphasis today.

Cultural Nuances

In modern writing, italics are often used to emphasize words, show titles of works, or indicate foreign terms. The use of italics in digital communication has expanded beyond print, being used in texts, emails, and social media posts to express tone, emphasize a point, or highlight important information.

More Information

Italic fonts are an essential part of modern typography. They not only help in highlighting words for emphasis but also play a critical role in distinguishing foreign words, literary works, and even thoughts in literature. The use of italic type has evolved from being a tool of design to a common practice for improving readability and expression in both digital and printed mediums.