Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Descender: meaning, definitions and examples

⬇️
Add to dictionary

descender

 

[dɪˈsɛndər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

writing terms

A descender is a part of a lowercase letter that extends below the baseline of a font. It is commonly found in letters such as 'g', 'j', 'p', 'q', and 'y'. The descender contributes to the font's overall style and legibility in typesetting.

Synonyms

lowercase stem, tail.

Examples of usage

  • The descender in the letter 'g' makes it unique.
  • In typography, descenders are important for readability.
  • The design of a font can greatly influence its descenders.
Context #2 | Noun

geography

A descender refers to a person or thing that descends, such as a mountain climber who is going down a slope or a descent in a geographical feature. The term is often used in the context of exploration or adventure.

Synonyms

descendant, downhill traveler.

Examples of usage

  • The descender made his way down the cliff with caution.
  • We watched as the descenders carefully navigated the rocky terrain.
  • The area is known for its challenging descenders.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'descendere', meaning 'to go down'.
  • Used in typography since the 1800s, 'descender' helps describe letter shapes in print.
  • It specifically contrasts with 'ascender', which refers to the parts of letters that go above the main body.

Typography

  • In typesetting, the height of descenders varies by typeface, influencing the design and readability of text.
  • Common descenders appear in lowercase letters such as 'g', 'j', 'p', and 'y', creating visual diversity in text.
  • Typography professionals often consider descenders when designing logos and advertisements to avoid crowding.

Literature

  • Writers pay attention to descenders when creating calligraphy, as they can affect the overall flow and aesthetics of a piece.
  • Famous literary works often highlight font choices that emphasize descender letters, impacting readers' experiences.
  • In poetry, the visual arrangement of words, including descenders, can add another layer of meaning to the text.

Psychology

  • Research in psycholinguistics suggests that the presence of descenders can help readers quickly identify words, enhancing reading speed.
  • Readers can subconsciously decode words with descenders faster due to their unique shapes, aiding in visual processing.
  • Fonts with pronounced descenders can evoke different emotions, influencing the reader's mood and comprehension.

Art and Design

  • Graphic designers often leverage descenders to create visually striking compositions, balancing text with imagery.
  • Descenders play a crucial role in minimalist design, where every component's shape contributes to a unified look.
  • Sign painting and street art utilize descender shapes to achieve bold and unconventional lettering styles.

Translations

Translations of the word "descender" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descendente

🇮🇳 नीचे आने वाला

🇩🇪 Absteiger

🇮🇩 penurun

🇺🇦 спад

🇵🇱 zstępujący

🇯🇵 降下するもの

🇫🇷 descendant

🇪🇸 descensor

🇹🇷 iniciatör

🇰🇷 하강하는 것

🇸🇦 النازل

🇨🇿 sestupující

🇸🇰 klesajúci

🇨🇳 下降者

🇸🇮 sestopajoč

🇮🇸 niðurgangandi

🇰🇿 түсуші

🇬🇪 დასაწყვეტი

🇦🇿 enmə

🇲🇽 descensor

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,124, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.