Font Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
font
[fษnt ]
Definitions
in typography
A set of type of one particular face and size.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| font |
Can also refer to a type of religious vessel used in Christian ceremonies for baptisms.
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| typeface |
Refers to the design of a set of characters, including different fonts within it. Used primarily in graphic design, publishing, and typography.
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| lettering |
Describes the style or design of letters, often hand-drawn or crafted. Commonly used in the context of sign painting, logos, or artistic projects.
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Examples of usage
- The designer chose a modern font for the website.
- She used a fancy font for the wedding invitations.
in computing
A set of printable or displayable text character s in a specific style and size.
Synonyms
text style, typeface.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| font |
Also occasionally used to refer to the container that holds holy water in a church; however, this context is specific to religious settings.
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| typeface |
This term is used to describe the design of a set of characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols. It is often used in the context of graphic design and typography.
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| text style |
This phrase refers to the overall appearance of the text. It includes elements like font, font size, color, and other formatting options. It is often used in discussions about word processing, graphic design, and web design.
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Examples of usage
- The default font in the document was difficult to read.
- You can change the font settings in the application.
in computing
To specify the font for a document or text.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| font |
Use when referring to a specific set of characters with a particular design and size.
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| format |
Generally used to describe the arrangement or organization of text, images, or information.
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| style |
Refers to the distinctive appearance or manner of presentation of text, graphics, or other elements; can also refer to the artistic choices made in design.
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Examples of usage
- You can font the text to make it bold or italic.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- The first digital fonts were developed in the 1980s for personal computers, revolutionizing how text appeared on screens.
- TrueType and OpenType are popular font formats that allow designers to create scalable and adaptable text.
- In web design, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) allows easy customization of fonts, establishing visual identity online.
Art and Design
- Fonts are crucial in graphic design, influencing how messages are perceived โ playful fonts convey fun, while serif fonts evoke seriousness.
- The famous 'Helvetica' font, known for its clean lines, was created in 1957, becoming a favorite among designers worldwide.
- Typeface pairing is an art where designers combine different fonts to create aesthetically pleasing and readable designs.
Psychology
- Research shows that fonts can affect mood; for instance, round fonts make people feel more relaxed compared to angular fonts.
- Different fonts can change the perceived trustworthiness of a message โ people often trust conventional fonts more than decorative ones.
- Studies indicate that the readability of a font can impact comprehension, affecting how well people understand written content.
Pop Culture
- The popular movie 'The Social Network' uses a distinct font, contributing to its branding and visual appeal.
- Popular brands, from Coca-Cola to Google, invest heavily in their fonts as part of their identity, making them instantly recognizable.
- The rise of social media has led to the growth of custom fonts, allowing influencers and creators to express their unique styles online.
Origin of 'font'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated from the Old French word 'font' meaning 'to create,' relating to the idea of creating type.
- In the 15th century, 'font' referred to a type of casting letters, which were used for printing books.
- The word has roots in Latin where 'fundere' means 'to pour,' describing how letters were cast in metal.
The word 'font' originated from the Middle French word 'fonte', meaning 'something melted or cast'. It was first used in English in the late 16th century to refer to a complete assortment of type of one face and size. Over time, with the development of printing and computing technologies, the term 'font' evolved to encompass a wider range of meanings related to text styles and characters.